Copolymerization of Addition and Condensation Type Monomers for Flame Retardancy of Cotton and Blend Fabrics

Abstract

Pad-dry-cure treatments of cotton/polyester fabrics with aqueous solutions of tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC)/bis(2-chloroethyl) vinylphosphonate (BVP)/acrylamide (A)/trimethylolmelamine (TMM) resulted in deposition in the fibers of copolymers formed by apparent coreaction of the two types of monomers. At 40–50% add-on levels, deposition of these phosphorus- and nitrogen-containing copolymers in cotton/polyester knits (35% to 100% cotton) yielded durably flame-retardant (FR) fabrics. These treated knits retained fairly good strength and abrasion properties. Changes in textile properties due to FR treatments were markedly dependent on blend composition. Durable-press (DP) appearance ratings were improved or slightly reduced by the FR treatments. The finish significantly increased the stiffness of these knits, but stiffness was decreased by machine washings. All-cotton sateen fabrics treated with THPC/BVP/A/TMM to add-on levels of 21% and over were durably flame retardant. The FR sateen fabrics possessed a good hand and only slightly increased stiffness. Conditioned wrinkle-recovery angles and DP appearance ratings indicated fairly good levels of resilience. Breaking and tearing strength retentions were good in the warp direction but considerably poorer in the fill direction. Flex abrasion resistance was adversely affected.