High-efficiency and durable glycerol-based reactive flame retardants for cotton fabric

Abstract

A novel efficient and durable glycerol-based reactive flame retardant, ammonium triphosphoric acid glycerol ester, was successfully synthesized. Ammonium triphosphoric acid glycerol ester was grafted onto cotton fabrics through dip-pad-dry-cure technology, and cotton fabrics with excellent and durable flame retardancy were prepared. The limiting oxygen index value of the cotton fabric treated with 20% ammonium triphosphoric acid glycerol ester reached 37.3%, which was maintained at 26.5% after 50 laundry cycles. The treated cotton fabrics were not ignited in the vertical burning tests, much char formed, and still kept their fiber shapes after combustion. The results of X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the treatment had little detrimental effect on the original structure of the cotton fabrics. Ammonium triphosphoric acid glycerol ester can effectively promote cellulose dehydration into char, and play a flame retardant role in both condensed phase and gas phase. Mechanical property testing shows that the mechanical properties of cotton fabrics treated with 20% ammonium triphosphoric acid glycerol ester are maintained well, and can serve as clothing fabrics and decorative supplies.