Applications of Specialty Chemicals in Textile Auxiliaries
1. Emulsifiers for Scouring, Dyeing, and Finishing
AEO, EL, HEL, Span, Tween, OP, O, LAE, E1000, E1300 series; Polyethylene Glycol Oleate; Polyethylene Glycol Laurate
- These emulsifiers are widely employed in scouring and dyeing baths to disperse oils, waxes, and pigments, ensuring even wetting and level dyeing of fabrics. Their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) can be tailored to different systems, supporting stable emulsification of textile oils, carriers, and finishes. In printing and finishing, they help solubilize hydrophobic agents, enhance penetration, and prevent re-deposition of impurities, thus improving fabric brightness and handle.
2. Antistatic and Softeners for Fabric Finishing
Antistatic agent APEK, Antistatic agent AEO(n)-PK, Softener SG Series
- Antistatic agents reduce static charge build-up during weaving, knitting, and finishing of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, improving processability and wearer comfort. Softener SG series enhances fabric softness, drape, and tactile appeal, often combining lubricating and film-forming effects that reduce friction and prevent fiber damage.
3. Penetrants and Wetting Agents
Penetrating agent; Oleyl Alcohol Ether Series; Glycerol ethoxyethylene ether series
- These surfactants lower surface tension to facilitate rapid wetting of fibers, essential in pre-treatment steps like desizing, scouring, and bleaching. Their high efficiency in breaking water repellency ensures deep penetration of aqueous solutions into fibers, allowing uniform dye uptake and effective stain removal.
4. Functional Additives for Stability and Processing
PEG, Propylene glycol block polyether, Additive AC-1800 series, Additive AC-1200 series
- These multifunctional agents act as solubilizers, dispersants, viscosity regulators, and humectants in textile chemical formulations. For example, PEG and polyether derivatives stabilize emulsions of oils and waxes in scouring agents, while AC-1800 and AC-1200 series provide dispersibility and anti-redeposition in washing and dyeing baths. Their versatility supports consistent processing results under varying water quality and temperature conditions.
