RUDOLF-Info 2015-29

Version 2018-02-21
RUCOFIN ®
The world of Silicone Softeners
By RUDOLF
Textile Auxiliaries - Finishing www.rudolf-group.com

RUDOLF GROUP
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RUDOLF GROUP
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Seite
0 Table of contents 3

1 RUCOFIN: Softness is the soul of the textile 4

2 Innovation in the silicone softener production 7

2.1 Element 14: Silicium - basis of sophisticated silicone softeners 7
2.2 Creativity and perseverance create innovative products 7

3 Emulsion types 8

4 RUCOFIN - Optimising the emulsion technology and silicone chemistry for more
process security in finishing 8
4.1 Extreme alkali stability 11
4.2 Extreme temperature stability 11
4.3 Extreme stability to anions 11
4.4 Extreme shear stability 11

5 Special fields of application 12

5.1 Application in jet dyeing machines 12
5.2 Application in spray rotors 12
5.3 Pigment printing 12
5.4 Foam application 12
5.5 Application by slop-padding 12
5.6 Vacuum beam application 15
5.7 RUCOFIN - a short outline of the core products 15

6 Individual characterisation of RUCOFIN softeners 16
6.1 Hybrid silicones 16
6.2 Quaternary-modified silicones 19
6.3 Amino-functional silicones 21
6.4 Silicones for feel-good textiles 22

 

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1 RUCOFIN: SOFTNESS IS THE SOUL OF THE TEXTILE
At first, a human being perceives an object optically. He gets an idea of visually
noticeable things, such as form, colour, structure, etc.
If the curiosity has been aroused by optical stimuli, it is a natural need to touch the
object. Hot/cold, wet/dry are feelings that we are only able to perceive by touching.

This is especially valid for textiles. They accompany us 24 hours a day. Hence one
of their properties is particularly important:

Softness.
Softness is the soul of the textile, which gives us a feeling of security. RUCOFIN
silicones confer this individual feature to your textile and, moreover, properties to
meet highest requirements, such as:

 Maintaining the hydrophilic properties of fabrics and thus better moisture
transportation
 Resilience
 Bulkiness and thus better insulating properties
 Lustre
 Revitalising properties and thus better wrinkle recovery
 Better sewability
 Better gliding properties
 Higher tensile strength

The product name RUCOFIN combines RUDOLF softeners and gliding agents
based on differently modified silicone oil emulsions and their compounds with other
advantageous active substances. For decades RUCOFIN silicone softeners have
proven their excellent product properties worldwide. RUCOFIN silicones do not
only distinguish themselves from other products in the above-mentioned primary
properties, their technical secondary properties are trendsetting too:

 Distinct emulsion stability and highest process security

 Highly resistant to yellowing
 High durability to laundering
 Compatible with other textile auxiliaries
 High active substance and thus high economic efficiency

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 2 INNOVATION IN THE SILICONE SOFTENER PRODUCTION
2.1 Element 14: Silicium - basis of sophisticated silicone softeners

Silicium, which, after oxygen, is the second most frequent element on our planet, is the basis of a multitude
of chemical compounds, which have conquered and revolutionised virtually all technical fields of application.
The silicones, an extensive group of differently modified polymers, the backbone of which mainly consists of
silicium and oxygen atoms, are an important silicium-based branch of chemistry. Silicones are widely used in
textile finishing.

2.2 Creativity and perseverance create innovative products

Innovation means putting a new idea into practice. The RUDOLF GROUP is making great efforts to constantly
improve silicone softeners. Today, silicone oil modifications and improved technologies in the emulsion production
enable new effects and, above all, higher process security. The quaternary hydrophilic silicone softeners (such
as RUCOFIN SIQ NEW, HHS or GES NEW) patented by the RUDOLF GROUP stand for these innovations, which
have exceeded all expectations since they have been introduced into the market.
We offer our customers a fully developed product range which is tried, tested and recognised worldwide. Pro-
ducts may be divided up as follows according to the silicone modification (see also pages 46 - 47).

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3 EMULSION TYPES
Today softening agents based on modified silicones are often applied as oil-in-water emul-
sions (O/W emulsions). The distinction between individual emulsion types is based on the
size of the emulsion droplets.

Nano-/micro-emulsion, Mini-emulsion, Macro-emulsion,

transparent transluscent milky
silicone emulsion silicone emulsion silicone emulsion

The smaller the emulsion droplets, the easier it is for them to penetrate into the yarn to
develop their effects between the individual fibres. Nano-/micro-­emulsions thus ensure
high “inner softness“. Macro-emulsions, however, develop a very good superficial handle,
since the large emulsion droplets settle on the yarn surface. Miniemulsions combine both
processes and ensure “inner softness“ with simultaneous surface smoothness.

4 EMULSION STABILITY
RUCOFIN - Optimising the emulsion technology and sili­cone ­chemistry for more
process security in finishing

The chemical modification of silicone oils and their emulsifications substantially influence
the soft handle, hydrophilic properties, stability, etc. of the product. Silicone emulsions can
be destabilised by various factors, e.g. in the finishing bath, which may cause silicone stains
on the textile. Therefore, the quality of silicone emulsions is not only determined by the
parameter of the emulsion type but also by the properties that are responsible for higher
process stability.

The stability of all RUCOFIN softeners is optimised to ensure highest possible application
security. For particularly sophisticated application processes and to avoid unpleasant
surprises, we recommend the use of the RUCOFIN product that has been especially
optimised for this purpose.

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 4.1 Extreme alkali stability

Especially when processing cellulosic fibres the risk of carrying over residual substances to
the finishing bath, such as residual alkali from previous finishing steps, is latent. There may
well be residual alkali, even after optimised scouring processes, because cellulosic fibres
can store alkali as core alkali inside the fibre. Most silicones react more or less sensitive to
residual or core alkali. However, quaternary-modified silicones in the liquor, such as RUCOFIN
HHS, RUCOFIN GES NEW, RUCOFIN SIQ NEW, RUCOFIN SQS NEW, RUCOFIN GSQ NEW
and RUCOFIN GSP NEW are very stable to alkalis up to ca. pH 11.

4.2 Extreme temperature stability

If hot fabric is entered into the padder, the liquor content usually heats rapidly, as e.g. with
larger batches that are batched up hot after drying cylinders/hotflues. The roll of fabric
acts like a heat accumulator, with possible temperatures of above 80° C even after 24 hours.
Silicone emulsions can be destabilised by the influence of temperature. RUCO­FIN HHS,
RUCOFIN SIQ NEW, RUCOFIN GES NEW, RUCOFIN GWA und RUCOFIN GWG are highly
temperature-resistant up to the boil.

4.3 Extreme stability to anions

Residual anions from levellers, scouring or complexing agents and even unfixed anionic
dyestuffs could destabilise finishing liquors, especially containing amino-functional and free
quaternary silicone emulsions, as both are cationic. These conditions particularly arise in
discontinuous dyeing, where counter-flow washing is impossible and residual substances
on the textile are unavoidable. In this case we recommend RUCOFIN GWA or RUCOFIN HHS.

4.4 Extreme shear resistance

Emulsions can also be destabilised by mechanical influences. This phenomenon is used eg

when making butter, where emulsified fat from the milk is obtained by mechanical agitation,
which is not desired when using softeners.

This is particularly important in connection with jet applications in which high mechanical
shear forces may arise at pumps and nozzles. With RUCOFIN GES NEW we have developed
a highly shear-resistant product for applications by the exhaust method (such as towels) or
especially in the jet. For continuous processes, such as padder vacuum beam applications
with cyclone separator, spray processes, WEKO or foam applications, we recommend
RUCOFIN HHS, RUCOFIN SIQ NEW, RUCOFIN GSQ NEW etc. All these products have proven
to be highly stable to shearing in our practical-oriented shear-force-simulating system.

Fig.: Then Jet Bigstar

© copyright
THEN Maschinen GmbH

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5 SPECIAL FIELDS OF APPLICATION
Silicone emulsions are usually used in the pad process or exhaust method. In advanced
application methods the RUCOFIN products must be adapted to special process condi-
tions. Hence, the RUCOFIN product range contains high-quality silicone emulsions that are
adapted to different processes and fields of application.

5.1 Application on jet dyeing machines

Jets, of all processes, require the highest product quality. Apart from all stability factors
that have been described so far, the stability to shear forces and the avoidance of foam
are most important for this application method. Shear forces are often the direct reason for
possible silicone instabilities in the jet and clearly indicate fragile emulsions. We recommend
RUCOFIN GES NEW for jet applications.

5.2 Application on spray rotors

The shear forces acting on WEKO rotor spraying machines are extreme. Only ca. 20% of
the liquor pumped is sprayed onto the fabric after running through the perforated blades.
The rest of the liquor runs back into the formulating vessel. Hence the liquor is sheared
several times by the rotors, which may lead to instability. It is important that no foam arises
in the liquor vessel, as it would disturb the application significantly. We recommend using
RUCOFIN SIQ NEW, RUCOFIN GES NEW, RUCOFIN HHS or RUCOFIN GWA on WEKO rotor
machines, if necessary by adding a defoamer.

5.3 Pigment printing

Softeners directly integrated in the pigment printing paste must, above all, not affect the
rubfastness of the print.
Moreover, other key points are the compatibility with anionic binder systems, improved
running properties of the print paste in the screen as well as preventing screen holes from
clogging with rising mesh figures. We hence recommend RUCOFIN PSO or RUCOFIN GWE
for this field of application.

5.4 Foam application

Foam applications too result in very good soft handle effects. By means of foaming agents
(e.g. RUCO-COAT FO 4000) uniform and stable soft handle foams can be produced on foam
generators (rotor-stator-principle). For this purpose we recommend products stable to shear
forces, such as RUCOFIN SIQ NEW, RUCOFIN GES NEW and RUCOFIN HHS.

5.5 Application by slop-padding

In the Triatex-MA process the liquor is applied to the textile e.g. by means of kiss rollers.
What is critical is the optimum wetting of the kiss rollers and the prevention of foam in the
liquor chassis and on the rollers.
In principle, all silicone microemulsions, such as RUCOFIN GWA, RUCOFIN HHS, RUCOFIN
GES NEW, RUCOFIN GWB, RUCOFIN GWG or RUCOFIN SIQ NEW, etc. are suitable.
Depending on the fabric structure, air may access the liquor. The addition of a defoamer
may hence become necessary (e.g. RUSTOL ASA, RUSTOL ESD).

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 5.6 Vacuum beam application

In vacuum beam applications the liquor is transported back by a cyclone separator. Significant shear forces act
on the softener liquor during reclamation. We recommend the use of RUCOFIN HHS.

5.7 RUCOFIN - a short outline of the core products

(left = good, right = maximum attainable)
(bottom = good, top = maximum attainable)

Softness
Amino/Amido Amino/Superamino/
Quaternary
Dimethyl Amido spec. modif. Quaternary Hybrid-
Hybrid amino Amino
GN GWA HHM GWG GWB GSP NEW GSQ NEW SQS NEW GWE SWE RMW

HHS GNH MAX MIQ NEW SIQ NEW GES NEW GWS SWS GWM

SEG NEW GWT SWT GAA

MWS

MIN

resIStance to yellowing
Amino/Amido Quaternary
Amino/Superamino Amido Quaternary
espec. modif. Amino Hybrid

RMW GWS SWE MWS GWB/MAX GAA GWA GES NEW GSQ NEW SIQ NEW HHS

GWM GWT SWT MIN GNH GWG SEG NEW GSP NEW MIQ NEW HHM

GWE SWS SQS NEW

Maintaining the hydrophilic properties

Amino/Amido Quaternary
Amino/Superamino Amido Quaternary
espec. modif. Amino Hybrid

RMW SWS GWS/MWS GNH GWB/MAX GWA GES NEW GSQ NEW SIQ NEW HHS

GWM SWT GWT GWG SQS NEW GSP NEW MIQ NEW HHM

MIN SWE GWE GAA SEG NEW

Resistance to alkalis
Amino/Amido Quaternary
Amino/Superamino Amido Quaternary
espec. modif. Amino Hybrid

GWM GWE SWE GNH MAX GAA GWA GSQ NEW SIQ NEW GES NEW HHS

RMW GWT SWT GWB GWG GSP NEW MIQ NEW SQS NEW HHM

MIN GWS/MWS SWS SEG NEW

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6 INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISATION
OF RUCOFIN SOFTENERS

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 6.1 HYBRID-SILICONES
Two functional groups - every one for itself excellent, together unsurpassed

RUDOLF hybrid silicones (RUCOFIN HHS and RUCOFIN HHM) are based on the innovative hybrid chemistry. The silicone
polymer has two complementing synergistical functions, a quat function and an emulsifier function. Due to this hybrid
structure the excellent handle properties of the quaternary silicone polymers are harmonised to become even more
hydrophilic, resistant to yellowing and process-secure.

Examples for fields of application:

 White goods
 Sportswear
 Printed textiles
 Underwear
 Terry goods

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6 INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISATION
OF RUCOFIN SOFTENERS

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 6.2 QUATERNARILY MODIFIED SILICONES
The high-quality group of products confering softness, hydrophilic properties,
a high degree of whiteness and process stability

The quaternarily modified silicones patented by the RUDOLF GROUP today are the largest and most important group of
RUDOLF‘s silicone range.
The excellent performance of quat-silicones regarding softness, hydrophilic properties, resistance to yellowing and,
simultaneously, high process stability is the result of specific chemical modifications of the silicone polymer, thus attaining
optimum fixation and orientation of the polymer on the substrate.

Examples for fields of application:

 Terry goods
 White goods
 T-shirts
 Underwear
 Sportswear
 Homewear

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6 INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISATION
OF RUCOFIN SOFTENERS

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 6.3 AMINO-FUNCTIONAL SILICONES
Top-level softness
Amino-functional silicones confer high-quality handle effects to the textile. The silicone
polymer is embedded in the substrate by special interactions of the polymer with the fibres.
Fibre-fibre friction is reduced, and durable, exclusive soft handle effects are obtained.

Examples for fields of application:

 Businesswear
 Stretchwear
 Swimwear
 Hosiery
 Cord, velvet, etc.
 Scarves, etc.

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6 INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISATION
OF RUCOFIN SOFTENERS 6.4 SILICONES FOR FEEL-GOOD TEXTILES
6.4.1 RUCOFIN LAN NEW Bio
Bio Textiles
Textiles

Description
Silicone softener with lanolin portion for the natural soft handle finishing of textiles
of all fibre types; complies with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and G.O.T.S.

Basis
Preparation of polysiloxane compound, natural vegetable oils and vegetable
waxes, cationic

Fields of application
 For all fibre types, especially for cellulosic fibres or blends with synthetic
fibres
 For finishing ecological textiles according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and
G.O.T.S
 Continuous processes
 Discontinuous processes

Primary properties
 Very soft, natural, inner handle effects
 Maintains hydrophilic properties of the fabric
 Durable finishing effects
 Resistant to yellowing at drying temperatures of < 170° C

Secondary properties
 Improves the sewability

Process safety
 Preliminary trials recommended for the use in machines with high liquor
turbuence (e.g. jet, cheese dyeing machines)
 Good liquor stability in acid, neutral or slightly alkaline medium (up to pH
8)
 Avoid applications in alkaline medium

n
Lanoli Heilkra
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COFIN to wear

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COFIN
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RUCOFIN dard 100
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ted trade
mark of
the RUDO
LF GROU
P (www.ru
dolf-group
.com)

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 6.4.2 RUCOFIN AVO NEW Bio Textiles

Description
Silicone softener with avocado oil portion for the hydrophilic soft handle finishing
of textiles of all fibre types; complies with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and G.O.T.S.

Basis
Preparation of polysiloxane compound, natural vegetable oils and vegetable
waxes, cationic

Fields of application
 For all fibre types, especially for cellulosic fibres or blends with synthetic
fibres
 For finishing ecological textiles according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and
G.O.T.S
 Continuous processes
 Discontinuous processes

Primary properties
 Very soft, supple handle
 Moisturizing effect for textile and skin
 Maintains hydrophilic properties of the fabric
 Durable to laundering
 Resistant to yellowing at drying temperatures of < 150° C

Secondary properties
 Improves the sewability

Process safety
 Preliminary trials recommended for the use in machines with high liquor
turbulence (e.g. jet, cheese dyeing machines)
 Good liquor stability in acid, neutral or slightly alkaline medium (up to pH 8)
 Avoid applications in alkaline medium

M o i s t u r i z i n g
Soft-
Textile
s fi
RUCOF nished with
create IN AV
a mois
turising O NEW
effect o
n the sk
in.
Humid
ity

Fibre fin
RUCOFI ished with
N AVO
NEW

Skin

Attrac
tion o
the so f hum
ft h idity th
rough
of RUC andle care
OFIN fi
® AVO N lm
IN EW
RUCOF
EW
AVO N
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Softness
is the soul
of the textile

RUDOLF GmbH Fon + 49 8171 / 53 - 0

Altvaterstraße 58-64 Fax + 49 81 71 / 53 191
82538 Geretsried E-Mail info@rudolf.de
Germany www.rudolf-group.com

The above recommendations are based on comprehensive studies and expe-

rience made in practical finishing. They are, however, without liability regarding
property rights of third parties and foreign laws. The user should test for himself
whether the product and the application are suited for his very special purposes.
We are, above all, not liable for fields and methods of application which have
not been put down by us in writing.

RUDOLF GROUP
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