A New Chemical Approach to Durable Flame-Retardant Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

Recent studies of fire accidents in Switzerland involving individuals' wearing apparel have illustrated the importance of a durable flame-retardant finish for cotton textiles. Knowledge of the dynamics and chemistry of pyrolysis and combustion is considered essential to understand the mechanism of flame-retardant systems. A series of N-methylol compounds of dialkyl phosphonocarboxylic acid amides were assessed in relation to established systems based on APO and THPC. A number of these compounds were found suitable for durable flame-retardant finishes on cotton. One compound was chosen to illustrate their performance. It showed excellent fastness to laundering and dry cleaning with acceptable effects on the properties of the fabric.