In the field of post-treatment of textile printing and dyeing, the demand for hydrophilic softening agents is continuously increasing. Under the traditional approach, cotton fabrics' hydrophilicity usually relies on quaternary ammonium salt silicone oil, while synthetic fiber fabrics' hydrophilicity depends on polyether-polyester compound products. The two systems are independent of each other and it is difficult to achieve a balance. Our company has launched a product series of hydrophilic dual-end epoxy polyether silicone oil, EESKF, which is a hydrophilic dual-end epoxy group-end-capped polyether modified silicone oil without isopropanol. With its innovative molecular structure design, it can be simply processed to prepare hydrophilic silicone oil suitable for both synthetic fibers and cotton, completely breaking the inherent thinking of traditional quaternary ammonium salt silicone oil and polyether-polyester compound. It provides a high-performance and universal hydrophilic softening solution for the textile additive industry.


1. Product Series Specifications and Core Physical and Chemical Properties


The hydrophilic dual-end epoxy polyether silicone oil EESKF series includes four models: EES9KF, EES11KF, EES16KF, and EES22KF. They are all colorless or light yellow transparent liquids, with a viscosity of 1,000 to 2,000 millipascal-seconds at 25 degrees Celsius. The effective epoxy value shows a gradient decreasing distribution: EES9KF is 0.020 to 0.024 equivalents per 100 grams, EES11KF is 0.016 to 0.020 equivalents per 100 grams, EES16KF is 0.013 to 0.016 equivalents per 100 grams, and EES22KF is 0.010 to 0.013 equivalents per 100 grams. The biggest feature of this product series is that it does not contain isopropanol and has an all-solvent-free formula. It is particularly suitable for hydrophilic hand feel finishing applications with strict requirements for environmental protection and safety. The polyether chain segments of this product series have a high hydrophilicity, giving it excellent hydrophilic properties and self-emulsification characteristics.


2. Core Performance Advantages of the Product Series


The hydrophilic dual-end epoxy polyether silicone oil EESKF series demonstrates the following core performance advantages when compared with ordinary epoxy silicone oil:


Preparation of universal hydrophilic silicone oil for synthetic fibers and cotton. The product can be simply processed to prepare universal hydrophilic silicone oil for synthetic fibers and cotton, completely overcoming the traditional thinking of using quaternary ammonium salt silicone oil to solve the hydrophilicity of cotton fabrics and using polyether-polyester compound to solve the hydrophilicity of synthetic fiber fabrics. This greatly simplifies the management of additive inventory and process operation in textile factories.


All-solvent-free formula suitable for high-end fabric hydrophilic hand feel finishing. The product does not contain isopropanol, avoiding potential impacts on fabric hand feel, color lightness and safety caused by solvent residues. It is particularly suitable for high-end fabrics with strict requirements for environmental protection and health.


Wide range of amine modifier selection. This series of epoxy polyether silicone oil can be reacted with various organic amines and polyether amines to prepare various style embedded silicone oils. The selection range of amine modifiers is much larger than that of ordinary embedded silicone oils.


High activity reduces solvent usage and broadens solvent selection. The high activity of the product can significantly reduce the usage of solvents during the reaction process, effectively reducing safety hazards in the workshop. For high-end usage environments, non-toxic solvent can be selected to prepare high-content embedded silicone oil. The product basically has self-emulsification properties, and the mixing process is simple.


3. Main Application Areas


The hydrophilic dual-end epoxy polyether silicone oil EESKF series, with its universal hydrophilic characteristics and all-solvent-free formula, can play a key role in the following high-end application areas of textile additives:


1. Universal hydrophilic softening and finishing for synthetic fibers and cotton. The product can be simply processed to prepare universal hydrophilic silicone oil suitable for both synthetic fibers and cotton, solving the problem of traditional additives needing to be processed separately for different fiber types, especially suitable for the processing of multi-variety blended fabrics.


2. High-end fabric hydrophilic hand feel finishing. The product is suitable for hydrophilic softening and finishing of high-quality fabrics such as baby clothing, close-fitting underwear, sports wear and high-end home textiles, giving the fabric excellent hydrophilicity and soft touch. The all-solvent-free formula ensures the safety and purity of the finished fabric.


3. Synthesis of embedded silicone oil. As an active intermediate with both ends of epoxy groups, this series of products can react with various polyether amines and organic amines to synthesize a series of block copolymer silicone oils with different molecular weights and hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance values.


IV. Development of functional hydrophilic finishing agents. Based on the high hydrophilicity of the EESKF series products and the multi-model selection, combined with specific amine modifiers, functional textile finishing agents with functions such as moisture absorption and evaporation, anti-static, and easy cleaning can be developed.


IV. Packaging specifications and storage and transportation conditions


The hydrophilic double-end epoxy polyether silicone oil EESKF series of products should be stored in a cool and dark place. They are packaged at 950 kilograms per barrel. This product does not contain isopropanol and is transported as a non-dangerous goods.


V. Quality Assurance and Industry Application Value


The hydrophilic double-end epoxy polyether silicone oil EESKF series of products have established a strict quality control system during the production process. Key indicators such as product appearance, viscosity, and effective epoxy value are tested throughout the process to ensure consistency and reliability between batches.


As the textile printing and dyeing industry continues to upgrade towards multi-functionality, greenness, and generalization, the demand for synthetic raw materials for block copolymer silicone oils with high hydrophilicity, solvent-free environmental friendliness, and general fiber applicability is steadily increasing. The hydrophilic double-end epoxy polyether silicone oil EESKF series, with its innovative molecular structure design, completely breaks through the technical barriers of separate hydrophilic finishing for cotton and synthetic fibers, providing a new and efficient universal solution for textile additive manufacturers. It is expected to promote the technological upgrade and product iteration of the hydrophilic softening finishing agent market and help downstream textile enterprises achieve simplification of additive categories and improvement of process efficiency.