Silicones: Manufacturing and Applications in Textiles

Silicones are the synthetic compounds containing the elements silicone and oxygen. They are abundantly available on earth, is hardly found in elemental form. The silicone content in earth crust is approximately 26 %. Silicones are among the most versatile polymers and play an important role in Textile Industry. Today Textile Industry is largest consumer of silicones in India. Silicones have been used as fabric finishers for many years because of the unique handle and durability, which makes it extremely cost effective. Silicone imparts softening to the fabric and also improves physical properties, such as wrinkle resistance, abrasion resistance and tear strength. The utility of silicone has also been diversified for many other purposes like antifoaming, thread lubrication and glass fabric finishing. Silicones give flameproofing and also wash - n- wear finish to the fabric.