Ternary copolymer silicone oil vs amino silicone oil, which one is the black technology for hand feel finishing?

Ternary copolymer silicone oil:

· Structural features: usually formed by block copolymerization of different functional groups such as siloxane, polyether chain segments and amino groups. For example, some ternary copolymers may react with epoxy polyether silicone oil and amino polyether to form a multi-segment synergistic structure.

· Modification advantages: It has the hydrophilicity of polyether chains, the softness of amino groups and the lubricity of siloxane, and has better balanced performance.

Amino silicone oil
· Structural features: Polydimethylsiloxane is used as the main chain, and amino groups are introduced into the side chain or the end. · Modification advantages: The amino group forms a strong hydrogen bond with the fiber surface, providing a significant softening effect, but the hydrophilicity is poor.

Ternary copolymer silicone oil:
· Advantages: Through the synergistic effect of multiple segments, a uniform lubricating film is formed, which has a more balanced feel (both soft and fluffy), is suitable for light-colored fabrics, and causes less damage to the fibers.

· Disadvantages: When used alone, the softness is slightly inferior to amino silicone oil, and needs to be optimized with other additives.

Amino silicone oil:
Advantages: Amino silicone oil contains polar amino groups (-NH₂), which can form strong hydrogen bonds with fibers, present a directional arrangement, and provide an extremely soft and smooth feeling, especially suitable for natural fibers such as cotton and wool.

Disadvantages: However, excessive use may cause the fibers to become "falsely slippery" or hardened, feel "greasy" or sticky, and amino groups are easily oxidized and yellowed (especially in high temperature or ultraviolet light environments).

Ternary copolymer silicone oil:
Advantages: The polyether chain segment enhances hydrophilicity, the fabric has good air permeability and hygroscopicity after finishing, no amino structure, excellent anti-yellowing property, suitable for high-end light-colored fabrics or medical textiles.

Amino silicone oil:
Disadvantages: Traditional amino silicone oil is highly hydrophobic, which may reduce the moisture absorption and perspiration performance of fabrics and affect the comfort of sportswear; but modified amino silicone oil (such as polyether amino silicone oil) can improve this problem. On the other hand, amino groups are easily oxidized, causing yellowing of fabrics, which is especially obvious on high-temperature setting or white/light-colored fabrics, and anti-yellowing agents need to be added.

Ternary copolymer silicone oil:
Advantages: Better environmental protection (low VOC, no amino residue), some products support solvent-free synthesis process, in line with the trend of green textile.

Disadvantages: The wash resistance of some ternary copolymer silicone oils is lower than that of amino silicone oils, which needs to be improved through cross-linking technology.

Amino silicone oil:
Advantages: Strong bond with fiber, excellent water resistance, and can maintain the feel after multiple washings.

Disadvantages: Products with high ammonia value may increase the environmental burden, and some varieties containing amino groups may not meet environmental standards (such as EU REACH restrictions on certain aminosilanes).

· Ternary copolymer silicone oil is preferred: suitable for wool/cashmere fabrics that require comprehensive performance (softness + hydrophilicity + wrinkle resistance + anti-yellowing), such as high-end sweaters, light cashmere scarves, medical and sportswear.

· Amino silicone oil is preferred: dark/medium-colored natural fiber fabrics that require extreme softness and high washability need to be controlled in dosage to avoid yellowing. · Composite use: The combination of the two can balance the feel and functionality, for example, amino silicone oil provides a soft base, and ternary copolymer silicone oil improves hydrophilicity.

(Note: In actual application, a comprehensive evaluation needs to be combined with fabric type, finishing process and terminal demand.)