How silicone softeners & conditioners
work
Silicone softeners
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Silicone’s softening capability comes from the siloxane backbone’s
flexibility and its freedom of rotation along the Si-O bonds. This enables the
low-interacting methyl groups to arrange themselves so they face away from the
surface of fibers, thereby reducing fiber-to-fiber interaction.
Because the fibers are able to slip easily past one another, they do not
stick together. Their natural spring is unimpaired. Volume increases. And the
fabric becomes fluffier and softer to the touch.
If “water-loving” polyether groups are attached to the silicone, the fabric
will also become more absorbent, or hydrophilic.
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Silicone conditioners
Silicone conditioners for fabric, skin, and hair care products fill
irregularities, making surfaces feel and appear smoother.
Silicones combine an array of properties (low coefficient of friction,
liquid at high molecular weight, low surface tension, thin-film formation) that
impart a feel on the skin that is very different from that of organic
materials. Sensory evaluators describe this feel as light, smooth, silky,
elegant, or luxurious. Skin feel is impacted by silicone structure. Increasing
the length of the polymer leads to silicone gums, which give a velvety
feel.
Silicone benefits for softening and conditioning
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The ability to completely wet a wide variety of substrates – from fabric
and leather to skin and hair
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The ability to form thin films that do not interfere with the bulk
properties of the substrate
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Spreadability and lubricity
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Permeability, breathability
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Self-leveling capabilities that enable the film to replenish itself if it
inadvertently comes in contact with another substrate, enabling longer-lasting
feel
Typical applications for silicone softeners and conditioners
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Textile
softeners, including hydrophilic softeners
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Thread or fiber lubricants
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Carriers or formulation ingredients for beauty and personal
care products, such as skin creams, deodorants, hair conditioners,
conditioning shampoos, and color cosmetics
Learn how
other types of silicones work.
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