Md.

Asiqul Alam
BTE 012 05700

SHORT NOTES ON NON-IONIC SOFTENERS

Non-ionic softeners do not carry any electrical charge and therefore do not possess any distinctive
substantivity. Such products are applied by means of forced application. i.e. usually in padding mangle
procedures. Non-ionic softeners can be combined universally, are stable to temperature and do not
yellow. This is the reason why this product class is perfect for finishing optically brightened high-white
articles. The soft handle of pure non-ionic product is only average.

These are generally contained fatty alcohols, ethoxylatedfatty alcohols, ethoxylated fatty amines,
paraffins and oxidised polyethylene waxes as active ingredients. They often need emulsifiers in addition
to produce stable dispersions. Furthermore, in some commercial products a combination of cationic and
non-ionic softener is chosen to improve the solubility at lower temperatures.

Properties of Non-ionic Softeners:

Non-ionic softeners is applied to synthetic fibres and their blends.
▪ It is fairly soluble in water.
▪ Its colour is like creamy paste.
▪ Hot water should not used during application of non-ionic softeners.
▪ Acetic acid is added to cold water before adding the softeners.

Application of Non-ionic softeners:

Non-ionic softeners theoretically have no electric charge and for that reason show no significant
substantivity. Normally they are used in ‘forced processes’, such as padder, spray or foaming applications,
or ‘exhaust processes’ such as jet systems, yarn dyeing devices, winches or jigs. They can easily be
combined with other active agents or products, are stable against high temperatures and are (almost)
non-yellowing. For that reason, this product group is ideal for the finish of optically-brightened white
textiles. In the textile industry, the most famous and effective products in this field of application are
compounds of pseudo-quaternaries and emulsifiers, which are not purely non-ionic, but behave
analogously and give the best compromises concerning softness and bath stability.

Advantages of Non-ionic Softeners:

▪ Non-ionic is compatible with cationic, anionic agents, starch and resin.
▪ It does not create yellowish problem.
▪ It is applicable for all types of fibres.
▪ It does not influence on dyeing fastness.
▪ It does not irritate human skin.
▪ Applicable in both exhaust and padding process.

Disadvantages of Non-ionic Softeners:

▪ Non-ionic softeners give temporary soft feel.
▪ It is comparatively costly than other softeners.
▪ May deteriorate wet/dry crock fastness.
▪ Not easily soluble in water.