Manufacturers Chemicals Introduces Silicat Hybrid Softeners

Cleveland, Tenn.-based Manufacturers Chemicals LLC — a producer of specialty chemicals for the
textile, paper, metals and coating industries; and a division of Spartanburg-based Synalloy Corp.
— has introduced its Silicat line of hybrid softeners. The products impart a similar hand and
drape to a fabric, but contain significantly less silicone than a traditional silicone-based
softener. According to Chuck Stieg, president, Manufacturers Chemicals, customers have replaced
silicones pound-for-pound by using the new technology.

“We have developed a new chemical/mechanical process whereby we make an emulsion of a new
class of non-silicone softener along with traditional amino functional silicones,” Stieg said.
“With this technology we can produce a high performance, highly stable hybrid softener. The
resulting product offers dramatic reductions in silicone content, dramatically lower cost, reduced
possibility of spots, greatly improved flammability, and zero yellowing. The environmental impact
of these softeners is far less than traditional silicone emulsions.”

Manufacturers Chemicals is producing the Silicat line commercially at its Cleveland facility.
The hybrid softeners are available in a variety of concentrations and in both hydrophobic and
hydrophilic versions.

June 8, 2010

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