Softener | Softening

# Softening:
The treatments which make the fabric more flexible and pliable impart the impression of softness. Softness generally comes from making the fibre themselves more flexible and decreasing inter fibre friction. Therefore softening agents plasticize fibers and lubricate the surface of fibers which can produce softness. Softness of fabric can be enhanced either by mechanical or chemical treatment.

* Characteristic of softening:
(i) The hand imparted and the properties of a softener depend on the physical state of softener, its chemical structure and behavior or the fabric.
(ii) Low viscosity liquid softener produces a flexible, silky hand.
(iii) Solid softeners provide, lubrication but less pliable
(iv) Softeners are sometimes implicated in quality and environmental problems.
(v) Some softeners adversely affect light-fastness and rubbing fastness.

# Types of softeners:
(1) An-ionic softener
(2) Cationic softener
(3) Non-ionic softener
(4) Amphoteric softener
(5) Others (Silicone, polyethylene emulsion)