Silicone is widely used in the clothing industry, and its versatility brings significant advantages to the production, processing and performance improvement of clothing. The following are specific applications of silicone in the clothing industry:
1. Softening finishing
Improving the feel: Silicone softeners can give fabrics a soft touch, making clothing more comfortable when worn. This softening effect is long-lasting and does not affect the breathability and moisture absorption of the fabric.
Application examples: Fabrics such as wool, cotton silk, and brocade feel softer and have a more shiny surface after being treated with silicone softeners.
2. Waterproof and oil-proof finishing
Waterproof performance: Silicone waterproofing agents can form a breathable but impermeable film on the surface of the fabric, effectively preventing water penetration while maintaining the breathability of the fabric.
Oil-proof performance: The film can also resist the invasion of oil stains, making clothing easier to clean and maintain.
Application examples: Outdoor clothing, raincoats, waterproof shoes and other products are often treated with silicone waterproofing agents to improve their waterproof and oil-proof properties.
3. Elastic finishing
Enhance elasticity: Silicone elastic finishing agent can increase the elastic recovery rate of fabrics, so that clothing can quickly return to its original shape after being subjected to external forces, reducing wrinkles and deformation.
Application examples: Sportswear, tights and other clothing that require good elasticity are often treated with silicone elastic finishing agents.
4. Antistatic finishing
Prevent static electricity: Silicone antistatic agents can significantly reduce the surface resistance of fabrics, effectively prevent the generation and accumulation of static electricity, and protect clothing and the human body from the harm of static electricity.
Application examples: In the dry environment of autumn and winter, the problem of static electricity is particularly prominent. Clothing treated with silicone antistatic agents can effectively reduce static electricity.
5. Antibacterial and mildew-proof finishing
Inhibit bacterial growth: Silicone antibacterial and mildew-proof agents can destroy the cell structure of bacteria and molds, inhibit their growth and reproduction, and thus give clothing excellent antibacterial and mildew-proof properties.
Application examples: Underwear, socks, sports equipment and other clothing that need to be kept clean and hygienic are often treated with silicone antibacterial and mildew-proof agents.
6. Coating and lamination finishing
Multifunctional coating: Silicone resin can be used as a coating material for clothing, providing multiple functions such as waterproof, breathable, wear-resistant, and weather-resistant.
Lamination technology: By combining silicone coating with fabric through lamination technology, clothing can be given stronger performance and richer appearance effects.
7. Environmental performance
Low pollution: Silicone products generally have lower surface tension and good thermal stability, and generate less pollution during production and use.
Sustainable development: With the improvement of environmental awareness, more and more clothing brands have begun to use environmentally friendly materials such as silicone to produce clothing to meet consumers' demand for sustainable development.