Improving the flame retardant and antibacterial performance of polyester/cotton blend fabrics with organic-inorganic hybrid coating

Abstract

In this work, an organic-inorganic hybrid coating was used to improve the fire safety and antibacterial property of polyester/cotton blend fabrics. The hybrid coating was constructed by two steps, including the in-situ growth of zirconium phosphate nanosheets, and the preparation of polyelectrolyte complex with phytic acid and poly(hexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride) via spraying method. The flame retardancy and antibacterial activity of treated fabrics were completely investigated. A self-extinguishing behavior was observed in vertical burning test and the damaged length was only 5.4 cm. The LOI value of treated fabrics was increased from 19.0% of pristine fabrics to 27.8%, and the peak heat release rate and total heat release were decreased by 42% and 27%, respectively. Besides, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the char residue increased from 8.3% to 26.3% at 800 °C, confirming a great char-forming ability of coated fabrics. Tensile strength test indicates that the introduction of coating had no seriously damage to the mechanical properties of fabric. Moreover, an excellent antibacterial property of treated fabrics was proved by using agar diffusion method. This research provides an environmentally friendly path for the flame retardant and antibacterial modification of polyester/cotton blend fabrics.