Mitigation of environmental impact caused by flame retardant textile finishing chemicals

Abstract

LIFE FLAREX project focuses on the mitigation of environmental and health impacts caused by toxic compounds that are contained in commonly used flame retardants (FRs) in home textiles which are based on halogenated-, antimony trioxide-, formaldehyde release related products. Conventionally used FRs in the home textile sector are decabromodiphenyl ethane, its combination with antimony trioxide and dialkyl phosphono carboxylic acid amides, respectively. The project evaluates alternative FRs and their feasibility at the industrial scale level. Among all the home textile applications, curtains, upholstery, mattress ticking and bedding sheets were selected as the most interesting products in terms of need for substitution. Within these applications, cotton, polyester and polyester/cotton blends were selected as most representatives. Technical performance, flame retardant resistance as well as washing durability was evaluated for up to eight different alternatives and compared to the conventional FRs. The alternative FRs included mixtures of phosphates, ammonium polyphosphate, expandable graphite, guanidine phosphate, ammonium sulphamate and other new patented technologies in the market. A toxicological assessment through skin-FRs contact measurements is being conducted for assessing their absorption and toxicological properties. Additionally, an environmental and health assessment is also being conducted as well as a life cycle assessment comprising environmental, economic and social considerations. The project has at the moment demonstrated the feasible substitution of the aforementioned toxic FRs for greener and safer FR alternatives.