Durable flame resistance via reaction of cotton cellulose bearing aromatic amino groups with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride

Abstract

AbstractChemically modified cotton fabric samples having different amounts of aromatic amino groups were prepared. These modified samples were reacted with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) under a variety of conditions using the pad‐dry–thermofixation technique. The extent of the reaction (expressed as %P) was dependent of the degree of chemical modification of cotton, temperature and time of heating, and pH of the treating bath as well as incorporation of Lyofix CHN (N‐methylol finishing agent), MgCl2·6H2O (catalyst), and urea at various concentrations. THPC did react with the modified cotton having a nitrogen content over a range of 0.4%–1.3% even in the absence of catalyst at a temperature as low as 30°C for 10 min to impart durable flame resistance to cotton. Increasing the temperature up to 80°C enhanced considerably the extent of reaction; he latter remained practically constant upon further increase in temperature. The reaction was favored in acidic media (pH 4–6), whereas alkaline media (pH 9–11) inhibited it. Incorporation of Lyofix CHN (9%), MgCl26H2O (1%), and urea (5%) along with THPC (25%) in the treating bath required a curing temperature of 120°C and a curing time of 5 min to achieve a fabric containing as much as 2.7% phosphorus with excellent durable flame resistance. A tentative mechanism of the reaction between THPC and the modified cotton was also elicited.