Abstract
The alternative method of reducing the flammability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, analogous to dyeing of PET fibers with dispersed dyes in a high-temperature bath, was proposed. A commercial organophilic montmorillonite Cloisite®15A (C15A) was applied as a flame retardant. The aim of the presented work was to evaluate the effectiveness of the introduced modifier and the improvement of the flame-retardant properties of PET fibers by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements. Evolved gas analysis (EGA) by spectrometric method (FTIR) during coupled thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was applied in order to confirm no increase in the toxicity of volatile degradation products released from burning modified fibers. The nanocomposite nature of modified fibers was confirmed based on the structural parameters of the fibers determined using wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) X-ray diffraction methods.
Highlights
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers are produced in very large quantities worldwide, due to their relatively low cost
The assessment of the effectiveness of the proposed flame-retardant modification includes the determination of the limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermogravimetric tests carried out to confirm the results of LOI tests and microscopic observations of the charred solids obtained as a result of the controlled fiber burning
The highest LOI value was obtained for PET fibers modified in a bath containing 0.5% C15A in relation to the fiber weight
Summary
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers are produced in very large quantities worldwide, due to their relatively low cost. The fibers are characterized by very good mechanical properties, high resistance to physical and chemical agents. They are very widely used as fibers for textiles, technical products (e.g., cords for tires, safety belts) and the production of articles intended for interior furnishings of public facilities or car upholstery. Due to such a wide range of applications, products from PET fibers are facing very strict requirements in terms of fire safety. An example here may be the introduction of the aryl ether monomer (2,20 - (4,40 - (1,4-phenylenebis (oxy)) bis (4,1-phenylene)) bis (oxy) diethanol—PBPBD) into the PET backbone chain during polycondensation [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
