Reactive Softener

Reactive softener have reactive groups in them which react with the
fiber substance and yield a softening effect. The bond is definite
covalent bond, formed in the prsence of an acid catalyst of elevated
temeratures.

PROPERTIES of REACTIVE SOFTENER:

• Thus softener posses a reactive group, such as sulphonic acid,

isocyanate group etc. Which react with the hydroxyl groups of
the substrate
• Their application is also similar to non-ionic softeners
(Temporary effects are obtained when not cured) and to
durable softeners.
• Applied in acidic medium i,e. at PH 4 to 5.
• Solubility Good. Easily soluble in hot & cold water.
• Stability Stable to hard water & metals.
• Compatibility Compatible with cationic, anionic, acids &
mild alkalies.
• It gives softness & body filling effect surface smoothness and
lubricity on cotton, polyester and on polyester-cotton
blends, polyester-viscose blends etc.
• It is very stable to high drying temperatures
• Being extra white, it gives brightness to the fabric.
• It gives brightness to the fabric.
• Yellowing is observed on the finished fabrics.
• It is very effective on Turkish towels.

OLDEST REACTIVE SOFTENER:

Stearyl amidomethyl pyrimidium chloride is one of the oldest

products of this class. Due to liberation of pyridine and possible
yellowing, its use is restricted.
C17H35

CO-NHCH2 (C5H5N+) CL-

.Stearyl amidomethyl pyridinium chloride

Softener based on dissocyanate monoethanolamine:

.
The reaction product of disocyanate monoethanolamine and higher
alkyl isocyanate are softeners based on dissocyanate
monoethanolamine. Further products prepared from cyclopropane
monocarbonic acid, monoethanolamine and higher alkyl isocyanate
are used as reactive softeners

C18H37

NHCO – C2H4 – NHCO

Softener based on cyclopropane monocarbonic acid.

NH

O = C

NH

OH
Softener based on N – methylol based derivative with higher fatty acid.
.

Softener based on 1,3,5 triazine:

Softener based on 1,3,5 triazine are prepared using the idea of
reactive dyes; a strong hydrophobic higher alkyl group is attached
through – NH – bridge to a mono or dichloro-1,3,5 triazine group.
Moreover, a great variety of polyethylene glycol modified triazine
compounds are available as reactive softeners.

CL

N N

X N NH

Softener based on 1,3,5 triazine

Y Y

N N N N

N N O N Z

Softener based on polyethylene glycol modified triazine compounds

Softener based on octadecyl ethylene urea:

Softeners based on octadecyl ethylene urea import durable water

repellency with softening effect. This may be applied such as
DMDHEU, DMEU, etc. by pad dry cure techniques of 0.6 - 2.5%
owt can be used.

C18H37 O

NH
N

Softener based on octadecyl ethylene urea.

Softener based on epoxy compound:

Softener based on epoxy compounds are applied to cotton and wool

fibers

R1
O
OH
R

Softener based on epoxy compound

Softener based on carbamates :

Recently developed softeners are considers are condensation

products of appropriate carbamates with formaldehyde. On the
other hand, amidourethane with cyclopropanyl reactive groups are
softeners reacting without a catalyst. Stcorylamine apichlorohydrin
based softener also produce durable softening.

OH
RO – CO – N
OH

Softener based on carbamates