Study on Properties and Applications of Esterquats Based on Tallow Fatty Acid and Palm Stearin Methyl Ester

Esterquats are biodegradable cationic surfactants، and they have been used widely in fabric softeners and hair conditioners. In this study، the synthesis of esterquats by reacting alkanolamines with Tallow Fatty Acid (TFA) and Palm Stearin Methyl Ester (PMES) has been reported. The obtained esters were subjected to quaternization with different molar ratios of dimethyl sulfate (DMS). The synthesized esterquats were evaluated for yield and cationic content. The physical properties of treated fabrics (cotton، polyester and cotton/polyester) such as softening، water absorption and wrinkle recovery were studied according to ASTM standard test methods. The fabrics treated with cationic esterquats showed very good softening and crease recovery and the decrease of water absorption was acceptable.