Since its unique chemical structure (such as Si-O-Si main chain, organic side chain) and physicochemical properties (such as low surface tension, high thermal stability, flexibility, etc.), silicone oil (organopolysiloxane) is widely used as a multifunctional finishing agent in the textile industry to improve textiles. The following are its main functional finishing applications and principles:
1. Soft finishing
Functional mechanism: silicone oil forms a flexible film on the fiber surface through adsorption or cross-linking, reduces the friction coefficient between fibers, and gives the fabric a smooth, fluffy or delicate feel.
Classification application:
Amino silicone oil: provides lasting softness and elasticity, suitable for cotton, wool and blended fabrics, but attention should be paid to the problem of yellowing at high temperature.
Epoxy silicone oil: good wash resistance, often used for durable soft finishing.
Polyether modified silicone oil: good hydrophilicity, suitable for towels, underwear and other fabrics that need to absorb moisture and be breathable.
2. Waterproof and oil-proof finishing
Hydrophobic effect: The low surface tension of silicone oil forms a hydrophobic layer on the fabric surface, increasing the contact angle and achieving a waterproof (water-repellent) effect. Some fluorinated silicone oils can enhance oil resistance.
Environmental protection trend: Replace traditional fluorocarbon compounds (such as PFAS) and develop fluorine-free silicone oil systems to meet environmental regulations (such as EU REACH restrictions).
3. Anti-wrinkle and elastic recovery
Crosslinking: Crosslinking with cellulose fibers (cotton, linen) reduces deformation caused by hydrogen bond breakage and improves wrinkle resistance. Silicone elastomers (such as silicone rubber) enhance elastic memory function and are used for stretch fabrics.
4. Antistatic finishing
Conductive channel: The conductive layer is formed by hygroscopic silicone oil (such as polyether modification) to absorb environmental moisture, or by introducing ionic groups (such as quaternary ammonium salt modification) to neutralize charges and reduce static electricity accumulation, which is especially suitable for synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon).
5. High temperature resistance and flame retardant finishing
Thermal stability: Silicone oil itself is resistant to high temperatures (>200℃), and as a carrier, it helps flame retardants (such as phosphorus-nitrogen series) to be evenly dispersed. Some silicone resins can form a heat-insulating silicon-carbon layer to synergistically improve flame retardancy (such as through sol-gel treatment).
6. Antibacterial and deodorizing function
Modification strategy: Grafting antibacterial groups such as quaternary ammonium salts and silver ions to destroy microbial cell membranes. Microencapsulated silicone oil can achieve sustained release antibacterial and is used in sportswear and medical textiles.
7. Other functional finishing
Darkening and brightening: Reduce light scattering by smoothing the fiber surface and improve the color rendering of dyes (especially black polyester).
Wear resistance and anti-pilling: Reduce fiber end slippage and inhibit pilling (for wool and polyester fabrics).
UV protection: Add ultraviolet absorbing groups (such as phenyl silicone oil) to reflect or absorb UV radiation.
Environmental protection and technological innovation trends
Greening: Development of water-soluble silicone oil, bio-based silicone oil (such as vegetable oil modification) and degradable varieties (such as ester modification).
Nanotechnology: Silicone oil/nanoparticle composites (such as SiO₂, TiO₂) achieve super-hydrophobicity, photocatalytic self-cleaning and other functions.


Intelligent: Temperature-sensitive/PH-responsive silicone oil (such as poly-N-isopropylacrylamide grafting) to meet the needs of smart textiles.