Innovative green technique for preparing of flame retardant cotton

Authors: Chang, Sechin; Condon, Brian; Smith, Jade

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2015
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Due to its environmentally benign character, microwave-assisted or supercritical carbon dioxide high pressure reactors are considered in green chemistry as a substitute for organic solvents in chemical reactions. In this paper, an innovative approach for preparation of flame retardant cotton fabric was obtained by utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide and microwave-assisted methods. A novel phosphorus-nitrogen containing small molecules such as triazine and piperazine derivatives were synthesized and its chemical structure were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, and 31P NMR) and elemental analysis. And these flame retardant chemical reacted with cotton fabric treated in scCO2 or microwave-assisted reactors. The evidence of flame retardant surface modification on cotton fabrics was confirmed by FT-IR, EA and SEM. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vertical flame test test (ASTM D6413-08; 16 CFR 1615, 1616), 45 degree angle flame test (clothing textiles test -- ASTM D1230; 16 CFR 1610), and limiting oxygen index (LOI, ASTM D2863-00) were performed on the treated cotton fabrics and showed promising results. When the treated fabric were tested using the vertical flame, we observed that the ignited fabrics self extinguished and left behind a streak of char. Treated higher add-ons fabrics were neither consumed by flame, nor produced glowing ambers upon self extinguishing.