The amount of amino-modified silicone oil added to laundry detergent needs to be determined based on factors such as product positioning, silicone oil molecular weight, and amino content. The usual addition range is 0.1% - 1.5% (based on the total weight of the laundry detergent). The specific addition can be divided into the following situations:
One. Regular Household Laundry Detergent
Dosage: 0.1% - 0.5%
Useful for: Daily laundry care, focusing on basic softening and antistatic properties. Avoid excessive dosage, which can cause greasiness, residue, or decreased absorbency (especially on synthetic and light-colored fabrics).
Note: If the silicone oil has a high amino content (e.g., an ammonia value of 2.0 or above), reduce the dosage to prevent yellowing.
Two. High-End Care Laundry Detergent
Dosage: 0.5% - 1.5%
Suitable for: High-end fabrics such as wool and silk, or products featuring "long-lasting softness" and "shape and color protection," requiring a higher dosage to enhance lubricity and volume.
Note: An emulsifier (such as fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether or span/tween series) is required to ensure even dispersion of the silicone oil and prevent stratification or localized residue on the fabric.
Three. Special Considerations
Silicone Oil Molecular Weight: Low molecular weight silicone oils (e.g., viscosities of 500-1000 cSt) disperse easily and can be added at a higher dosage. High molecular weight silicone oils (viscosities above 10,000 cSt) should be kept below 0.8% to prevent sticking.
Combined Systems: If the laundry detergent already contains other softening ingredients (e.g., cationic surfactants), the silicone oil dosage should be reduced to avoid synergistic effects that could lead to excessive foam suppression.
In practical applications, it is recommended to first conduct a small test (such as three gradients of 0.3%, 0.8%, and 1.2%) to test the feel, residue, and stability of the fabric before determining the optimal addition amount.
