Enhancing flame resistance of cellulosic fibers using an ecofriendly coating

Abstract

Among the various advanced materials, flame-retardant cellulosic textiles are important as they directly relate to human health and hazards. The use of environmentally friendly flame-retardant coatings is currently one of the major concerns in the textile coating industry. In this work, acrylic acid was grafted onto the surface of cotton using plasma technology to enhance the attachment of acrylate phosphate monomer. Surface analyses, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), were carried out to characterize the coating. Textile properties such as wettability and mechanical properties of untreated and treated cotton samples were investigated. A laundering test was also performed to predict the durability of the finishing. The outcomes revealed that acrylic acid-grafted samples treated with acrylate phosphate monomer have good flame-retardant properties.