Quaternary Polysiloxane Textile Softeners for Wash-Durable Soft Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polysiloxane-based textile softeners have low substantivity, leading to loss of soft feel after washing, and their production is economically unjustifiable due to low yields and complex processes, while their suitability as plasticizers is limited by poor water self-emulsification and permanence on textiles.
Innovation Solution
Development of quaternary polysiloxane polymers with a specific structure [M' D n ] 3 T, where M' = QSiY 2 O 1/2, D = SiY 2 O 2/2, T = SiZO 3/2, and n = 5 to 250, which are produced through equilibration and hydrosilylation processes, providing improved hydrophilic soft feel, permanence, and wrinkle-removal properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If polysiloxanes with quaternary ammonium groups are used as textile softeners, then soft feel is improved, but substantivity deteriorates leading to loss after washing
Solution Approach 1:
The polysiloxane molecule is segmented into distinct functional regions: a linear siloxane backbone providing soft feel, quaternary ammonium groups providing substantivity, and controlled branching through specific silane units. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the polysiloxane molecule are given different properties: the backbone maintains linear structure for softness, while specific lateral positions contain quaternary ammonium groups for substantivity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between soft feel and substantivity.
2Reliability
If polyquaternary polysiloxane polymers are produced with higher degree of modification, then substantivity is improved, but production complexity increases and yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The polysiloxane is pre-modified with quaternary ammonium-containing silane units before polymerization, rather than attempting complex post-polymerization modification. This preliminary action simplifies the overall production process while achieving the desired high degree of modification and substantivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of degree of modification to specific values (0.5 to 3.0 quaternary functions per molecule) and controls the ratio of linear to branched structures. These parameter optimizations enable high substantivity while maintaining economically viable production yields of 70-90%.
3Reliability
If polysiloxanes with pendant quaternary ammonium groups are used, then substantivity is improved, but suitability as plasticizers deteriorates due to poor water self-emulsification
Solution Approach 1:
The polysiloxane is designed as a composite structure combining hydrophobic siloxane backbone with hydrophilic quaternary ammonium groups in specific ratios. This composite architecture provides both substantivity and adequate water self-emulsification capability, eliminating the need for additional emulsifiers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new polysiloxane polymers maintain soft feel and hydrophilicity after repeated washing, offering high bounce elasticity and improved wrinkle-removal properties, with formulations containing 0.5 to 99% by weight of the polysiloxane quat, suitable for use in aqueous form as permanent plasticizers for fabrics and fibers.
Implementation Method 1
achieve this. M'= QSiY 2 O 1/2 D= SiY 2 O 2/2 T= SiZO 3/2 Q are the same or different organic radicals that carry ammonium functions
Implementation Method 2
n is 5 to 250, preferably 10 to 150, in particular 12 to 100
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to polysiloxanes of the general formula (I) M'Dn3TI, where M'=QSiY2O1/2 D=SiY2O2/2 T=SiZO3/2 and a process for their production and their use as softeners for wovens, non-wovens and/or or fibers made from natural and/or synthetic raw materials.