Synthesis of multiblock linear polyether functional amino silicone softener and its modification of surface properties on cotton fabrics

Multiblock copolymers of polyether-modified amino silicone softener (ETSO-PEA) were successfully synthesized with epoxy-terminated polysiloxane (ETSO) and polyether amine. The chemical structure of ETSO-PEA was characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR and TGA. Single-factor and orthogonal array design experiments affecting the conversion rate of product were carried out to investigate the optimal reaction conditions. In the first two steps, the data between viscosity/conversion rate and reaction time showed that the two steps were both kinetic first-scale reaction. The application of ETSO-PEA used as softener on cotton fabrics was studied. The results showed that the ETSO-PEA-treated cotton fabrics expressed better hydrophilicity, wettability and whiteness than traditional amino silicone softener-treated samples. The morphology images indicated that the scales and clearance on the surface of the untreated cotton fibers were covered with a smooth film after treating with the silicones solution. Amino silicone softener was fixed onto the cotton fabrics, and the surface was modified with a formation of network structure. Meanwhile, the extent of networking and crosslinking was enhanced a lot, which provided a good soft handle. The polyether segment with less bending on the ETSO-PEA disrupted the continuous arrangement of Si–CH3 groups and limited the movement of polysiloxane segment, giving the cotton fabric a better hydrophilic and slightly rougher surface than ATSO-treated samples. This work provided an optimized and cost-effective method to synthesize high-performance multiblock polyether functional amino silicone softener.