Silicone Finish

Factors influencing the application of silicone:

1. Fabric to be processed must be thoroughly cleaned and should not contain residual agents from scouring and dyeing operation.
2. The pH of the fabric to be treated is preferably in the range of 6-7.
3. The fabric must be processed in such a way through uniform impregnation in order to pickup the required amount of silicone from the treating bath.
4. After padding, the fabric is dried in a dryer and then subjected to high temperature curing. Under the influence of curing temperature, some of the silicone to hydrogen bonds is to be very stable Silicone-Oxygen-Silicone linkage. This silicone skin thus formed which becomes insoluble in water and common dry cleaning solvent.
5. In order to develop satisfactory durability, it is essential to introduce catalyst silicone emulsion system which promotes cross-linking. Generally organometalic salts of zinc and zinconium are used as catalysts.

Properties imparted to textile and silicone finishing:

1. The properties which are primarily associated with application of silicones to textile is water repellency.
2. Improved in abrasion or wear resistance.
3. Improved of hand or soft feel of the goods and flexibility is imparted and the fabric appears to be smoother.
4. Silicone film has good resistance to solvents.
5. Silicone film has good resistance to household washing.
6. The treated fabric does not wrinkle or shrinkage as badly.
7. When treated with thermosetting resins, the silicone water repellents provides, improved crease resistance and abrasion resistance.