StarSoft™ UKS

Cationic Softener Base Concentrate

Product Description

StarSoftTM UKS is a cationic softener base concentrate suitable at both the co-manufacturer and mill levels. This cationic softener concentrate is best described as an imidazolinium quaternary base that is supplied in flake form. Because this product is supplied in flake form, it is easily handled and is readily dispersible in warm to hot water.

Typical Physical Properties

Appearance
Flakes

Color

Yellow

Ionicity

Cationic

pH (1%)

3.0–5.0

Odor

Odorless
Dilution Procedure

Hot Temperature Method

  1. Pre-test in the laboratory on small scale.
  2. Into a vessel equipped with agitation, charge the first half of the water balance. Water should be obtained from a source with relatively low water hardness; e.g., <50 ppm Ca2+. Soften water if necessary.
  3. Heat water to 194–208°F (90–98°C) and under slow, gentle agitation add StarSoft™ UKS in such a way that air is not “whipped” into the emulsion during addition.
    Note: It is best to calculate a finished product containing 10% StarSoft™ UKS since higher concentrations tend to thicken into a less fluid final product.
  4. Maintain temperature at 194–208°F (90–98°C) with gentle agitation until all flakes are totally dispersed.
  5. When all material is totally dispersed, add glacial acetic acid — the weight of glacial acetic acid is based on 10% of the weight of StarSoft™ UKS; i.e., 1% for a 10% StarSoft™ UKS dispersion.
  6. Add the second half of the water charge—the water should be ambient temperature.
  7. Stir slowly until the temperature is cooled to less than 104°F (40°C).
  8. Check final product for emulsion dispersibility and absence of particles.
  9. If the product is to be stored for indefinite periods, it is advisable to incorporate 0.1% of an antimicrobial based on the total weight of the StarSoft™ UKS/water emulsion.

Mild Temperature Method

  1. Pre-test in the laboratory on small scale. Into a vessel equipped with agitation, charge the entire water balance. Water temperature should be maintained at 122–140°F (50–60°C) and should be obtained from a source with relatively low water hardness; e.g., <50 ppm Ca2+. Soften water if necessary.
  2. Add StarSoft™ UKS in such a way that air is not “whipped” into the emulsion during addition. Note: It is best to calculate a finished product containing 10% StarSoft™ UKS since higher concentrations tend to thicken into a less fluid final product.
  3. Maintain temperature between 122–140°F
    (50–60°C) with gentle agitation until all flakes are totally dispersed. This dilution can take
    several hours.
  4. The addition of glacial acetic acid may aid in fluidity when preparing the emulsion. If glacial acetic acid is to be used, its weight is calculated based on 10% of the weight of StarSoft™ UKS.
  5. Stir slowly until the temperature is cooled to less than (95°F) 35°C.
  6. Check final product for emulsion dispersibility and absence of particles. 10–40 g/l StarSoft™ UKS (10% dispersion) at pH = 6.0–7.0 adjusted with acetic acid at 68–77°F (20–25°C).
Stripping
Use 1 g/l StarTex™ UFN. Increase temperature to 122–194°F (50–90°C) over 45-min period. Then rinse warm followed by cold rinse.
Storage
StarSoft™ UKS should be stored in a dry place, away from excessive heat, and in original or similar waterproof containers. Reseal containers immediately after use.
Download Product Information Sheet