Archroma claims its SILIGEN D2W LIQ C is the industry’s first "truly durable silicone softener for cellulosic as well as cotton-lycra blended knits".
It aims to keep the fabric soft and elastic for an extended usage, which means it is ideal for textile and fashion applications where long-lasting comfort and breathability are important, from undergarments and sleepwear to baby and children’s clothing, dresses and trousers, activewear, T-shirts and towels.
Archroma's VP global marketing and strategy Dhirendra Gautam said: “Archroma is committed to innovation that furthers our planet conscious vision of the future of the apparel and textile industry. As our brand partners increasingly design for longevity, they want to offer garments that remain luxurious and comfortable to wear over a longer life. SILIGEN D2W LIQ C is a breakthrough innovation that enables a new approach to softening. By enhancing both durability and cotton hand feel, it reduces the need for frequent replacement of garments to conserve resources, minimise waste and lessen the environmental impact of the industry.”
Archroma added that to achieve the soft and luxurious handfeel that consumers expect from cotton, manufacturers commonly have to add a silicone softener during fabric finishing.
In the past, it was necessary to choose between a durable softener that negatively impacted the natural absorbency of the cotton fibre or a softener that preserved the fibre’s ability to hold moisture but also soon washed off through home laundering.
Its new softener was developed to overcome these challenges and produce fabrics that maintain their absorbency and silky smooth feel for longer, extending their use life.
It is said to impart an excellent, and highly durable handfeel while maintaining the natural absorbency of cotton. It also has minimum side effects, including no yellowing or phenolic yellowing, and is compatible with anionic components and easy-care resins extending the range of possible combinations for functional finishes including crease-resistance.
SILIGEN D2W LIQ C is based on a new patent-pending chemistry from Archroma called micro-x. It is a cross-linkable microemulsion that forms a stable silicone network within the cellulosic fibres, ensuring more uniform distribution of the softener and locking it in to maintain softness over time while bringing wash-resistance.
