Evaluation of Metal Complexes and Tetrabromophthalic Acid as Flame Retardants for Wool

Abstract

Treatment with tetrabromophthalic acid (TBPA) produces very short after-flaming times on treated wool, also under bone-dry conditions; however, this treatment is not fast to washing, produces excessive smoke emission, and char formation is less than in the case of the metal complex treatments. The latter treatments produce low smoke emission, can protect flammable seat fillings from ignition, and reduce heat transfer through clothing exposed to convective heat (flames) by formation of intu mescent char. A simultaneous metal complex/TBPA treatment combines the advan tages of both flame-retardant systems, and there is synergism between them according to the limiting oxygen index and washfastness results.