New Durable Flame Retardant Finish for Polypropylene Textiles

Abstract

THE inflammability of polypropylene fibres is particularly hazardous when they are used for clothing or carpeting1. One way of making polypropylene textiles flame retardant is to incorporate certain halogen containing compounds, frequently in combination with antimony oxides or phosphorus donors which improve the effectiveness of the halogen, into the resin before the fibres are extruded2. Alternatively, a variety of chemical finishes can be applied to the many commercial forms of the textiles, from mono-filaments to apparel fabrics3. The first approach usually needs additives in quantities of up to 30 per cent or more of the weight of the polypropylene fibres. Serious degradation of physical strength can result, as well as deterioration of light, heat and chemical stability and textile handling properties4. In the second method, the great chemical inertness of polypropylene makes it difficult to apply a durable finish with suitable flame retardant qualities.