Reactive Softener: Properties, Advantages, And Disadvantages

Reactive Softener

Reactive softener is not as commonly used as cationic or nonionic softener. It is applicable to all fibers and gives a permanent finish to textile materials.

Properties of Reactive Softener

The following are properties of reactive softeners: They are-

• Reactive softener can be applied to all types of fibers.
• Reactive softener reacts with the –OH group of cellulose and form covalent bond and gives permanent finish.
• Its washing fastness is good.
• It is soluble in water.
• After application, it needs to cure.

Methods of Reactive softener application

Pad – dry- calendar method is used to apply the reactive softener. This could be done as follow. It is a sample application parameter.

1. Reactive softener: 25 – 30 g/l
2. Temperature: 90⁰C
3. Curin: 140⁰ – 150⁰ C
4. Time: 4 – 5 minutes

Advantages and Disadvantages of Reactive Softener

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of reactive softener. They are

Advantages of Reactive Softener Applications

The following are the advantages of reactive softener. They are

• Firstly, the softening effect of reactive softener is durable.
• Secondly, it does not cause yellowing problem.
• In case of resin finished fabrics, it minimizes the loss in tensile strength, tear strength and abrasion resistance.
• Lastly, application is easy.

Disadvantages of Reactive Softener Applications

• The reactive softener is comparatively costly than other softener.

So, from the above, we see that reactive softener is reliable to apply to all kinds of fibers but it is more costly than other softening agents.