Development of One‐Step Water‐Repellent and Flame‐Retardant Finishes for Cotton

Abstract

Pyrovatex is a well-known commercial flame-retardant which is commonly applied for cotton fibers. Unfortunately, Pyrovatex has the concern of discharging toxic formaldehyde, and additionally it necessitates formaldehyde-based cross-linking agents to enhance the flame retardant character and durability. Thus, formaldehyde level is considerably increased in the treated cotton fabrics. Herein, we develop a simple approach toward superhydrophobic and flame-retardant coating for cotton fabrics. We apply one-bath pad-dry-cure technique in absence of formaldehyde which is usually applied as a cross-linker for the application and fixation of the Pyrovatex flame-retardant. Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone was employed as a formaldehyde free cross-linking agent which allowed using Pyrovatex at lower concentration compared to commercial cross-linkers. The flame retardancy of the fabric was improved as a result of the higher bonding of Pyrovatex with both cotton fibers and RTV which in turn was bonded to cotton fibers too. Only 150 g/L of Pyrovatex with RTV silicone introduced much better flame retardant efficiency than applying 450-500 g/L of Pyrovatex ACS alone. Furthermore, RTV silicone further improved the water-repellent effect on the fabric surface. Washing properties of the treated cotton fabrics proved durability. The surface morphology and comfort properties of the treated cotton was explored.[a] Dr.

A Phosphorous‐Aluminium‐Nitride Synergistic Flame Retardant to Enhance Durability and Flame Retardancy of Cotton

“…However, cotton fabrics are extremely flammable, threatening human life and property . The flame retardant cotton fabric can delay the spread of flame; furthermore, it can improve the flame‐retardant, self‐extinguishing and smoke‐eliminating properties of cotton fabrics …”

“…[5] The flame retardant cotton fabric can delay the spread of flame; furthermore, it can improve the flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and smoke-eliminating properties of cotton fabrics. [6][7][8] Phosphorous compounds are considered to be the most promising efficient flame retardants for cotton fabrics. [9,10] Phosphorous-containing compounds generate phosphoric acid at high temperature, then condense to pyrophosphoric acid after dewatering, next, pyrophosphoric acid further forms polymetaphosphate, and the cellulose structure of the cotton is carbonized to obtain an expanded char layer in this process, thereby preventing combustion and obtaining dense char residue.…”

Effects of Technical Textiles and Synthetic Nanofibers on Environmental Pollution

“…It was observed that the heavy metallic soaps possess superhydrophobic characteristics, and consequently the primary effort at the manufacture of a durable water-repellent finishing was to employ the chromium salt of a fatty acid to be applied on cotton followed by baking. The most recent water-repellent finishing processes include the application of fluorocarbons which are essentially an ester of perfluorinated hexanol with polyacrylic acid [ 67 , 68 ].…”

Studies of Polylactic Acid and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles-Based Composites for Multifunctional Textile Prints

“…Technical textiles are high-performance smart materials designed not just to appear good-looking, but also to introduce a considerable added functional value toward a better quality of life [1][2][3]. Technical textiles have been applied in modern society for various specialized applications, such as antimicrobial, super hydrophobic, anti-static, ultraviolet protection, flame-retardant and self-cleaning purposes [4][5][6][7][8]. Nanotechnology can be considered as one of the most significant emerging global technologies.…”