The comparison of phosphorus-nitrogen and sulfur-phosphorus-nitrogen on the anti-flammability and thermal degradation of cotton fabrics

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

Submitted to: Fibers and Polymers
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/12/2017
Publication Date: 5/4/2017
Citation: Chang, S., Nguyen, M.M., Condon, B.D., Smith, J.N. 2017. The comparison of phosphorus-nitrogen and sulfur-phosphorus-nitrogen on the anti-flammability and thermal degradation of cotton fabrics. Fibers and Polymers. 18(4):666-674.

Interpretive Summary: This research has been shown intumescent flame retardant for environmentally friendly halogen-free flame retardant which can be used to bring flame retardancy to cotton fabrics. Intumescent flame retardant system can be applied to decrease flammability of polymers. It is particularly useful to design and develop new environmentally friendly phosphorous and nitrogen containing flame retardant and formulations that enable textiles. Towards this goal novel compound was prepared via one single step synthesis and formulated in aqueous solutions to make cotton fabrics passed flammability tests. We achieved this ultimate result and in the process explained our design criteria, the chemistry to achieve the new compound, and employed standard test methods to verify our results. The new compound and their formulation will be of interest and use to professionals engaged in new materials designing in textile industries to create new marketable uses for cotton fibers and fabrics to serve emerging needs.

Technical Abstract: The phosphorus-nitrogen (P-N) or sulfur (S) containing compounds are well known for their effectiveness as flame retardant additives for many polymeric systems. When either phosphorus or nitrogen is combined with sulfur, the new systems prove to be successful combinations. This research aims to learn the impact of two systems P-N and S-P-N on the flammability and thermal properties of cotton fabrics. The process includes the synthesis of two compounds tetraethyl piperazine-1,4-diyldiphosphonate (TEPP) and O,O,O',O'-tetramethyl piperazine-1,4-diyldiphosphonothioate (TMPT), and the evaluation of flammability, thermal degradation and surface morphology of the treated fabrics. Both compounds exhibit similar burning behavior on different fabric surfaces. Although the results show good flame retardancy and thermal behavior for the treated fabrics, they disclose some unique flame retardant properties of the two compounds.