1Research Scholar, Department of Textile and Apparel Designing, College of Community Sciences, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan
2Associate Professor, Department of Textile and Apparel Designing, College of Community Sciences, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan
3Professor, Department of Textile and Apparel Designing, College of Community Sciences, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan
4Principal Scientist, Chemical and Bio Chemical Processing Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Matunga (East)Mumbai, Maharashtra
5Senior Scientist, Chemical and Bio Chemical Processing Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Matunga (East)Mumbai, Maharashtra
From their introduction in 1955 to this date popularity of rinse cycle fabric softener is continuously increasing due to its easy application, added fragrance and other functionalities along with consumer perceivable softening effect. Present review deals with recent developments towards making softener compositions technologically advanced, more functional and friendly to the environment. Base molecules like cationic and silicones used for softener compositions are discussed. Inclusion of better functionalities like UV protection, antimicrobial activity, enhanced phase stability and improved softness is one scope for formulating superior softeners. Insight is also provided into another aspect i.e. requirement for research and inventing such compositions that do not affect the environment adversely and fulfill the need for sustainable laundry products.
Fabric softener, Sustainability, Cationic, Laundry, Silicone, Antimicrobial, UV protection
