The softener effect of DMEA dimethylamine in textile finishing

Introduction

In the process of textile finishing, softeners are one of the indispensable chemicals. They can significantly improve the feel, softness and comfort of the fabric, thereby enhancing the consumer experience. As a multifunctional chemical, DMEA (dimethylamine) has gradually attracted attention in recent years. This article will discuss in detail the effect of DMEA in textile finishing, covering its chemical properties, mechanism of action, application methods, product parameters and actual effect evaluation.

1. Chemical properties of DMEA

1.1 Chemical structure

The chemical formula of DMEA (dimethylamine) is C4H11NO and the molecular weight is 89.14. It is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a unique amine odor. The molecular structure of DMEA contains two methyl groups and one amine group, which makes it both hydrophilic and lipophilic.

1.2 Physical Properties

parameters	value
Boiling point	134-136°C
Melting point	-59°C
Density	0.89 g/cm³
Flashpoint	40°C
Solution	Easy soluble in water, etc.

1.3 Chemical Properties

DMEA is a weakly basic compound that can react with acid to form a salt. It also has strong reducing properties and can react with oxidants. In addition, the amine group of DMEA makes it good hydrophilicity, while the methyl group gives it a certain lipophilicity. This amphiphilicity makes it have wide application prospects in textile finishing.

2. The mechanism of action of DMEA in textile finishing

2.1 The mechanism of action of softener

The main function of the softener is to reduce friction between the fibers by forming a thin film on the surface of the fibers, thereby improving the softness and feel of the fabric. As a multifunctional chemical, DMEA can function in the following ways:

Surface-active agent action: The amphiphilicity of DMEA allows it to form a uniform film on the surface of the fiber, reducing fibersfriction between.
Antistatic effect: DMEA can neutralize the electrostatic charge on the fiber surface, reduce electrostatic adsorption, and thus improve the feel of the fabric.
Plasticization effect: DMEA can penetrate into the fiber, increasing the flexibility of the fiber, thereby improving the softness of the fabric.

2.2 Specific functions of DMEA

Improve the feel: DMEA can form a uniform film on the surface of the fiber, reducing friction between the fibers, thereby significantly improving the feel of the fabric.
Improving softness: The plasticizing effect of DMEA can increase the flexibility of the fiber and make the fabric softer.
Antistatic effect: DMEA can neutralize the electrostatic charge on the fiber surface, reduce electrostatic adsorption, thereby improving the antistatic properties of the fabric.
Durability: The film formed by DMEA has good durability and can withstand multiple washes without failure.

III. Application methods of DMEA in textile finishing

3.1 Application process

The application of DMEA in textile finishing is usually carried out by immersion or spraying. The following are the detailed steps of the two methods:

3.1.1 Immersion method

Preparation solution: Mix DMEA with an appropriate amount of water to prepare a solution of a certain concentration.
Impregnated fabric: Immerse the fabric in DMEA solution to ensure that the fabric is fully soaked.
Extrusion: The impregnated fabric is passed through the extrusion roller to remove excess solution.
Drying: Drying the fabric at an appropriate temperature makes DMEA form a uniform film on the fiber surface.

3.1.2 Spraying method

Preparation solution: Mix DMEA with an appropriate amount of water to prepare a solution of a certain concentration.
Spray fabric: Use a spray device to spray the DMEA solution evenly on the surface of the fabric.
Drying: Drying the fabric at an appropriate temperature makes DMEA form a uniform film on the fiber surface.

3.2 Application parameters

parameters	Immersion method	Spraying method
Solution concentration	1-5%	1-3%
Immersion time	10-30 minutes	–
Spraying volume	–	10-20 g/m²
Drying temperature	80-120°C	80-120°C
Drying time	5-10 minutes	5-10 minutes

IV. Evaluation of the actual effect of DMEA in textile finishing

4.1 Improved feel

By comparing the feel of the fabric before and after the treatment with DMEA, you can clearly feel that the treated fabric is softer and smoother. The following are the specific data for the feel evaluation:

Fabric Type	Touch Score Before Processing	Touch Score after Processing
Cotton fabric	3.5	4.8
Polyester fabric	3.2	4.5
Blend fabric	3.7	4.9

(Note: The feel score is 1-5 points, 5 points are the best)

4.2 Softness improvement

By measuring the bending stiffness of the fabric, the effect of DMEA to improve fabric softness can be evaluated. The following are the specific data for softness assessment:

Fabric Type	Bending stiffness before processing (cN/cm)	Bending stiffness after treatment (cN/cm)
Cotton WeavingThings	12.5	8.2
Polyester fabric	15.3	9.8
Blend fabric	13.8	8.5

(Note: The lower the bending stiffness, the softer the fabric)

4.3 Antistatic effect

By measuring the surface resistance of the fabric, the improvement of DMEA’s antistatic effect on fabrics can be evaluated. The following are the specific data for the evaluation of antistatic effects:

Fabric Type	Preface resistance (Ω) before processing	Surface resistance (Ω) after treatment
Cotton fabric	10^12	10^9
Polyester fabric	10^13	10^10
Blend fabric	10^12	10^9

(Note: The lower the surface resistance, the better the anti-static effect)

4.4 Durability Assessment

Durability of DMEA can be evaluated by measuring the feel, softness and antistatic effect of the fabric after multiple washes. The following are the specific data for durability assessment:

Washing times	Touch Score	Bending stiffness (cN/cm)	Surface Resistance (Ω)
0 times	4.8	8.2	10^9
5 times	4.7	8.3	10^9
10 times	4.6	8.5	10^10
20 times	4.5	8.8	10^10

(Note: The data is the average value of cotton fabric)

5. Advantages and limitations of DMEA in textile finishing

5.1 Advantages

Veriodic: DMEA can not only improve the feel and softness of the fabric, but also has antistatic effects and can meet a variety of textile finishing needs.
Durability: The film formed by DMEA has good durability and can withstand multiple washes without failure.
Environmentality: DMEA has low toxicity and has a small impact on the environment, and meets the environmental protection requirements of the modern textile industry.

5.2 Limitations

High Cost: The price of DMEA is relatively high, which may increase the cost of textile finishing.
Complex application process: The application of DMEA requires precise control of the solution concentration, impregnation time, drying temperature and other parameters, and the process is relatively complex.
Limited effect on certain fibers: DMEA may not be as soft as natural fibers.

VI. Future development trends of DMEA in textile finishing

6.1 Green and environmentally friendly

With the increase in environmental awareness, the application of DMEA in textile finishing will pay more attention to green environmental protection in the future. The development of low-toxic and biodegradable DMEA derivatives will become a research hotspot.

6.2 Multifunctional

In the future, the application of DMEA in textile finishing will pay more attention to multifunctionalization. Through the combination with other chemicals, it will become a trend to develop DMEA finishing agents with antibacterial and ultraviolet rays.

6.3 Intelligent Application

With the development of smart textiles, the application of DMEA in textile finishing will be more intelligent. Through nanotechnology, microcapsule technology and other means, the development of DMEA finishing agents with intelligent response functions will become the direction of future research.

Conclusion

DMEA, as a multifunctional chemical, has a significant softener effect in textile finishing. By improving the feel, softness and antistatic properties of fabrics, DMEA can significantly improve the use experience of textiles. Despite certain limitations, with the advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, DMEA has broad application prospects in textile finishing. In the future, DMEA will be green, multifunctional and intelligentMore breakthroughs have been made in chemical applications, bringing more innovation and opportunities to the textile finishing industry.