Thermogravimetry of deposited caustic soda used as a flame-retardant for cotton fabric

Abstract

We have investigated the effect of caustic soda as a nondurable finish on the flammability of 100% cotton fabric (plain 180 g m−2). On the contrary to the mercerization, during the impregnation process, no tension was applied. In order to attain the alkali cellulose onto the fabric, the subsequent neutralization was not followed. Each bunches of fabrics were dipped into individual aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide, followed by means of squeeze rolls and drying at 110°C. After conditioning nightlong, by using our ‘vertical flame test’ the optimum add-on values to impart flame-retardancy into cotton fabric was determined as 1.3 g sodium hydroxide per 100 g fabric. Thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) of pure cotton, treated cotton with sodium hydroxide at its optimum efficiency to impart flame-retardancy into the fabric was fulfilled and the obtained curves were compared and commented. The effectiveness of this hydroxide is attributed to the heat dissipation by the remaining material in the consumed ash. The results obtained are in favour of ‘dust or wall effect theory’ and also gas dilution theory.