Flame-resistant cotton textiles by a continuous photocuring process

A continuous process for the photoinitiated copolymerization of vinyl phosphonate oligomer (MW 0.5–1.0 kg) and N-methylolacrylamide from aqueous solutions with cotton printcloth and a sateen fabric was investigated. The free radical reactions, initiated on the cellulose molecules by exposure of the padded cotton fabric to UV radiation gave a flame-resistant (DOC FF 3-71 test) textile product. The effects of several variables on the efficiency of oligomer and monomer conversion to polymer add-on were determined, with maximum efficiencies being 75–85%. Variables were fabric speed through the reactor (0.006–0.039 m/sec), light transmission through Pyrex or quartz windows in the tunnel, four sets of interchangeable tri-power UV lamps having different spectral distributions and relative intensities, and heat buildup within the reactor. Selected samples of these modified cotton fabrics were evaluated for flame resistance, some textile properties, and elemental phosphorus and nitrogen analysis. Copolymer and phosphorus distribution within and between the cotton fibers were illustrated by transmission electron microscopy and by energy dispersive x-ray analysis.     

Photoinitiated polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate with cotton cellulose

Unsensitized, photoinitiated polymerization reactions of glycidyl methacrylate from solutions of water and water–methanol with cotton cellulose fabrics were investigated. When several layers of cotton fabrics were immersed in solutions of glycidyl methacrylate and only the surface layer was exposed to light, polymerization reactions were initiated in this layer and also initiated in inner layers of fabrics, probably by chain transfer reactions. Photoinitiated (350 nm, 24 W, 34 min) polymerizations of glycidyl methacrylate (7.5 vol-%) from water (43 vol-%)–methanol (57 vol-%) with cotton fabrics in one-, three-, and six-layered configurations were: one-layered, 32% polymer; three-layered, 30%, 27%, and 25% polymer; and six-layered, 29%, 25%, 22%, 20%, 14%, and 11% polymer. Electron-microscopic examination of the distribution of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) within the cotton fibrous structure showed that polymer was distributed throughout the cross section of the fiber. At the surface of the fibers, the polymer tended to be more concentrated than within the cross section of the fibers and to encapsulate them. Photoinitiated polymerization reactivities of several vinyl monomers from solution with cotton cellulose fabrics were compared with those of glycidyl methacrylate as follows: methyl methacrylate > glycidyl methacrylate > diacetone acrylamide > 1,3-butylene dimethacrylate > methacrylic acid > acrylonitrile > divinylbenzene.     

Flame retardant finishing of the polyester/cotton blend fabric using a cross‐linkable hydroxy‐functional organophosphorus oligomer

Blend fabrics of cotton and polyester are widely used in apparel, but high flammability becomes a major obstacle for applications of those fabrics in fire protective clothing. The objective of this research was to investigate the flame retardant finishing of a 50/50 polyester/cotton blend fabric. It was discovered previously that N,N′‐dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) was able to bond a hydroxy‐functional organophosphorus oligomer (HFPO) onto 50/50 nylon/cotton blend fabrics. In this research, the HFPO/DMDHEU system was applied to a 50/50 polyester/cotton twill fabric. The polyester/cotton fabric treated with 36% HFPO and 10% DMDHEU achieved char length of 165 mm after 20 laundering cycles. The laundering durability of the treated fabric was attributed to the formation of polymeric cross‐linked networks. The HFPO/DMDHEU system significantly reduced peak heat release rate (PHRR) of cotton on the treated polyester/cotton blend fabric, but its effects on polyester were marginal. HFPO/DMDHEU reduced PHRR of both nylon and cotton on the treated nylon/cotton fabric. It was also discovered that the nitrogen of DMDHEU was synergistic to enhance the flame retardant performance of HFPO on the polyester/cotton fabric.     

Flame-retardant viscose–polyester fabrics

For many purposes the natural-synthetic fiber-blend fabrics are more suitable than pure natural or synthetic products. It is often possible to obtain a maximum in clothing and textile technical properties by compensating the defects of one fiber by using an other totally different fiber. Many problems, however, have arisen in the production of flame-retardent fabrics because the use of synthetic fibers often makes the fire retardancy less effective. In our 2-year research project different fire-retardant (FR) viscose–polyesters fabrics were prapared at first in the laboratory scale. The natural type raw materials were Modal Prima viscose and normal FR–viscose cotton type staple fibers. The synthetic raw materials were FR–polyesters of the same type with two different flame retardants. Test fabrics were knitted in the laboratory by using seven blended yarns in the ratios 100/0, 80/20, 65/35, and 50/50 and vice versa. Cotton type PVC–fiber was also used in some experiments. All these test fabrics were also finished chemically by using normal crease-resistant (DMU, DMEU, DMDHEU, and TMM) and flameretardant (N,-methylolphosphonopropionamide and THPC) finishing chemicals. The textile and fire-retardant properties of the original and finished fabrics were estimated by using addon, tensile strength, LOI-value, and vertical flame test determinations. The mechanism of flame retardancy was also studied with DSC technique, P- and N-analysis and char investigations. The test results of viscose/polyester studies were compared with the results of cotton/polyester studies. After laboratory studies the best methods for FR–viscose/polyester fabric production were chosen, and the fabrics were manufactured. The fabrics were home-washed 20–50 times, and the textile and FR-properties were determined after each 10 washings. These results were again compared with results of cotton/polyester fabrics.     

Flame-resistant polyester/cotton fabrics

New experimental results are reported for the modification of 50/50 polyester/cotton blend fabrics made from bromine-free and bromine-containing polyester with a reactive flame retardant compound of high phosphorus content. Reaction of the cotton in the blend with methyl-phosphonic diamide yields modified fabrics in which flame resistance is attained without impairment of fabric hand. The level of flame resistance depends on the amount of insolubilized phosphorus in the treated fabric, but the hand is essentially unchanged even for fabrics of high phosphorus content which pass the vertical test of DOC-FF-3-71. The results of this work provide a basis for improved definitions of future approaches to the development of flame resistant polyester/cotton blend fabrics.     

Polyimide-coated fabrics with multifunctional properties: Flame retardant,UV protective,and water proof

Multifunctional technical textiles are of great interest both by industry and academia and these products are considered as high value-added products that contribute to the economies of countries. In this study, polyamic acid (PAA) was synthesized through polycondensation of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) in dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) at low temperature. Then, PAA was coated onto woven cotton and polyester fabric by padding technique. Finally, polyimide (PI)-coated multifunctional cotton and polyester fabrics were obtained by an easy coating technique and low-temperature imidization. Thus, low cost, easily accessible and widely used cotton and polyester fabrics were converted to high-performance textile products, which are flame retardant, UV protective, acid resistant, and waterproof. The chemical, thermal, morphological, optical, mechanical, wettability, chemical resistance, and flame retardancy properties of developed fabrics were investigated. Optical results showed that both PI-coated cotton and polyester fabrics are UV-A protective compared to noncoated fabrics. Moreover, PI-coated samples have high contact angles which are 111.43° and 113.40° for PI-coated cotton (PI-c-C) and PI-coated polyester (PI-c-PET), respectively. Young's modulus of PI-c-PET fabrics increased four times more than noncoated polyester fabric. PI coating changed the burning behavior of both cotton and polyester fabrics in a positive way. All the test results showed that these developed multifunctional textile products might find an application in different industrial areas such as automotive, aerospace, protective clothing, and so on due to easy and inexpensive production techniques and also superior properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47616.     

Electron spectroscopy for chemical analyses (ESCA)—A tool for studying treated textiles

Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) has been successfully used to determine the location of flame-retardant polymers or reagents and crosslinking and oil/water-repellent reagents in relation to fiber surfaces of chemically modified cotton fabrics and cotton/polyester blends. Changes in intensity of characteristic ESCA element signals were followed as the particle size of the treated fabric varied. Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and the flame-retardant polymer formed from tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (Thpc) and urea penetrate and are homogeneously deposited throughout cotton fabrics. The oil/water-repellent finish, FC-218, and the flame retardants from the THPOH/NH₃ reaction and tris(dibromopropyl) phosphate are deposited on the surfaces of both cotton and polyester fibers.     

Verification Concerning the Relative Superiority of a Cellulosic Fabric with Regard to Polyester in Terms of Flammability

In order to prove the superiority of cotton fabric to polyester with regard to flammability, we have studied the effect of Graham's salt as a moderate and nondurable finish on the flammability of pure polyester and cotton fabric. The laundered bone-dried, weighed fabrics were impregnated with suitable concentration of aqueous Graham's salt solutions by means of squeeze rolls and drying at 110°C for 30 min. They were then cooled in a desiccator, reweighed with analytic precision, and kept under ordinary conditions before the accomplishment of the vertical flame test. The optimum add-on value to impart flame retardancy was about 43.65% for polyester fabric and 36.78% for cotton fabric. The results obtained comply with the Coating Theory. Moreover, the superiority of cotton fabric to polyester fabric in terms of combustibility has been deduced.     

Aqua-mediated in situ synthesis of highly potent phosphorous functionalized flame retardant for cotton fabric

Flame retardancy in various materials is becoming an increasingly important performance feature. In the textile industries, fire-related problems have become an important concern over the decade. Herein, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and graphene-supported material were functionalized with trimethyl phosphate (TMP) for the synthesis of flame retardant (FR) composite material [graphene polymer functionalized trimethyl phosphate (GPTMP)] in the aqueous medium, which improves the stability of cotton fabric against flame. Graphene and PVA fabricated with phosphorus functional groups make the fabric more comfortable against fire and help to avoid further spreading of fire. The composite-coated fabric sustains for a long time on continuous flame with maintaining its initial shape and size. The GPTMP-coated fabric shows flame retardancy for up to 540 s on constant flame exposure, whereas control samples such as PVA-, graphene oxide-, and TMP-coated fabrics resist for up to 15, 20, and 14 s, respectively. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical flammability test (VFT) for synthesized composites were performed to confirm and support the flame retardancy property of GPTMP. The GPTMP shows the 35% LOI value and forms the char length of 2.6 cm during VFT. This work provides a simple and eco-friendly method to obtain novel GPTMP, which has a high potential as a FR for different fabrics, including cotton.     

Crockfastness of Polyacrylate Textile Pigment-Printing Binders: Effect of Binder Mechanical Properties and Adhesion to Fabric

The effectiveness of ethyl or butyl acrylate copolymerized with a small proportion of acrylonitrile in improving crockfastness of pigment-printed textile fabrics was determined. Crockfastness was demonstrated to be dependent upon mechanical resistance of the pigmented binder to rubbing and adhesion of the binder to fabric. Crockfastness on cotton fabrics correlated with tensile properties of binder films, ethyl acrylate being superior to butyl acrylate. The correlation failed with polyester fabric because adhesion was a more critical factor, the polyester fiber and yarn surfaces being smoother and more difficult to wet thermodynamically than cotton; in this case, butyl acrylate was superior to ethyl acrylate in adhesion and crockfastness. An analysis of surface free energies showed that better adhesion of the butyl acrylate copolymer to polyester was a consequence of lower total surface energy and lower polarity.     

Prospects for Radiation Techniques in Dyeing and Finishing

This paper evaluates the role, actual and potential, of high-energy and low-energy radiation in textile technology. Emphasis is placed on the cobalt-60 source and the electron accelerator as high-energy sources, and the glow discharge as a source of low-energy radiation. The effect of high-energy radiation on the structure and properties of fibres is reviewed. Two types of effect may be produced: crosslinking and degradation. The latter predominates with some polymers, whereas with others crosslinking of the polymer chains is the major effect. It is concluded that the direct effects of high-energy radiation are of insufficient value to justify its application to textiles without some simultaneous or subsequent chemical treatment of the fibre. The free radicals produced by the radiation serve as reactive sites at which the graft copolymerisation of monomers may be initiated within the fibre structure. Three methods are available for the radiation grafting of unsaturated monomers on to fibrous substrates: the ‘simultaneous’ method, the ‘post-irradiation’ method, and the ‘peroxide’ method. Most effort in this area has been devoted to the modification of synthetic-polymer fibres to make them more readily dyeable. Several examples of this are described. To achieve good penetration of the graft copolymer into the fibre, it is necessary that the fibre should be sufficiently swollen to permit penetration by the monomer molecules. Experiments on the swelling of polyester fibres in relation to grafting are described. The use of radiation-initiated grafting in the finishing of textiles is discussed next. The outstanding example of this, one that has achieved commercial exploitation, is the Deering Milliken Visa process for conferring durable-press properties on cotton and cotton–polyester fabrics. Flame-resistant cotton can also be produced by radiation-grafting techniques. The modification of the surfaces of textile fibres, for example, to confer soil-release and antistatic properties, is another potential application of radiation grafting in textile finishing. The deposition of coatings on solid surfaces by low-energy gas-discharge techniques has been the subject of many investigations. Recent work at the Shirley Institute, in collaboration with the Electricity Council Research Centre, has shown that several percent of vinyl monomers can be deposited on polyester fabric by means of the glow discharge. With hydrophilic monomers, the fabrics have improved antisoil and soil-release properties. Terylene (ICI) fabrics treated in a glow discharge with acrylic acid can be dyed to solid colours with basic dyes. The paper concludes with a brief assessment of the economics of radiation processes in relation to their use in textile technology.     

KH550改性水性聚氨酯的制备及应用研究

以异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯(IPDI)和聚酯多元醇218为预聚原料、2,2-二羟甲基丙酸(DMPA)为亲水性扩链剂、三羟甲基丙烷(TMP)为交联剂、三乙胺(TEA)为中和剂、γ-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷(KH 550)为改性剂,制得有机硅改性水性聚氨酯(WPU-Si);并将其用作纯棉及涤/棉机织物的涂料印花耐摩擦色牢度提升剂。研究了KH 550用量对乳胶粒粒径及胶膜吸水率、拉伸强度和拉断伸长率的影响;通过FT-IR分析对其结构进行了表征,利用SEM对整理后织物的表面形态进行了表征。结果表明,KH 550较佳的质量分数为3%。将WPU-Si应用在机织物的涂料印花中,对于纯棉织物,当WPU-Si质量分数为6%时耐干、湿摩擦色牢度最佳;对于涤/棉织物,当WPU-Si质量分数为5%时耐干、湿摩擦色牢度最佳;通过SEM照片表明纤维空隙之间及织物表面明显均有胶膜的存在,纤维与纤维之间存在明显的粘连,说明整理剂成功附着于纤维和织物的表面,达到了整理的目的。     

Studying smoldering to flaming transition in polyurethane furniture subassemblies: Effects of fabrics,flame retardants,and material type

The transition from smoldering to flaming was studied on fabric, batting, and foam assemblies via an electric spot ignition source of similar intensity to a cigarette. The materials studied included four different fabrics (cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blend, flame retardant cotton/polyester blend), two types of batting (cotton, polyester), and three types of polyurethane foam (nonflame retardant, flame retardant by FMVSS 302 testing, flame retardant by BS5852 testing). The results from testing found that materials highly prone to smoldering could propagate smoldering into foams and lead to ignition, whereas materials that tended to melt back from the ignition source did not. Flame retardant fabrics or foam can and do prevent the transition from smoldering to flaming provided sufficient levels of flame retardants are incorporated in the upholstery fabric or foam. The transition from smoldering to flaming of cotton fabric/nonflame retardant foam assembly was also studied using temperature measurements and evolved gas analysis. It was determined that the transition takes place when the oxygen consumption by accelerating smoldering front exceeds the oxygen supply. At this point, the solid fuel gasification becomes driven by thermal decomposition rather than by surface oxidation which leads to high enough concentrations of fuel for flaming combustion to occur.     

Resistivity of conductive polymer–coated fabric

Preparation of conductive polymer–coated fabrics was carried out by admicellar polymerization. By this method, a thin layer of conductive polymers (polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene) was formed on cotton and polyester fabrics by a surfactant template. The effects of monomer concentration, oxidant to monomer ratio, and addition of salt on the resistivity of the resulting fabrics were studied. The results showed that the apparent surface and volume resistivity decreased with an increase in monomer concentration in the range 5–15 mM, but was not strongly dependent on the oxidant to monomer ratio over the range of 1 : 1 to 2 : 1. Addition of 0.5M salt was found to reduce the resistivity significantly. The lowest resistivity obtained was with polypyrrole‐coated fabric, with resistivity around 10⁶ ohm. SEM micrographs of the treated fabric surface showed a filmlike polymer coating, confirming that the fabrics were successfully coated by admicellar polymerization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2629–2636, 2004     

Chemical silver plating on polyester/cotton blended fabric

Chemical plating is a metallizing process that can impart unique properties to textile fabrics. It has great potential for use in textile production, especially in the functional and decorative aspects. The present study examined the feasibility of applying chemical silver plating to a polyester/cotton blended fabric (T/C fabric) as well as investigating the properties of the silver‐plated T/C fabric. It was found that chemical silver plating helped to produce T/C fabric with a novel appearance and to improve its performance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4383–4387, 2006     

The study of colour fastness of commercial microencapsulated photoresponsive dye applied on cotton,cotton/polyester and polyester fabric using a pad‐dry‐cure process

Commercial microencapsulated photoresponsive dye was applied on cotton, polyester/cotton and polyester fabric using a pad‐dry‐cure process. Colour fastness of the photoresponsive fabrics to washing, wet cleaning, dry cleaning, rubbing and light was investigated. The CIELAB colour values of the fabrics before and after testing were measured using a reflectance spectrophotometer, and the colour differences were calculated to evaluate the fastness properties. The fabrics had better colour fastness to wet cleaning and washing than to dry cleaning. The fabrics showed higher colour fastness to wet than to dry rubbing. The photoresponsiveness of the fabrics decreased with prolonged exposure time to artificial light due to low photostability of the microcapsules.     

硅氧烷低聚物的合成及其在泡沫染色中的应用

为了通过泡沫染色和光固化改善棉织物的染色性能，合成了一种含有不饱和双键的硅氧烷低聚物，设计了合适的含有聚合型黄色蒽醌染料、硅氧烷低聚物、光引发剂2,4,6-三甲基苯甲酰基-二苯基氧化膦（TPO）、表面活性剂十二烷基硫酸钠（SDS）的泡沫体系对棉织物进行泡沫染色。采用1HNMR和GPC分析了硅氧烷低聚物的化学结构和相对分子质量分布，采用FTIR表征了硅氧烷低聚物和染色棉织物的化学结构，采用SEM观察染色棉织物的表面形态。探讨了硅氧烷低聚物用量、染料用量、SDS质量浓度、TPO用量对泡沫性能和染色性能的影响，分析了硅氧烷低聚物的固色机理。结果表明，染料质量浓度30 g/L、硅氧烷低聚物用量为染料质量的2倍、SDS质量浓度2.0 g/L、TPO用量为染料质量的5%、紫外光照时间5 min时，染色织物染色深度可达5.70，耐皂洗色牢度和干/湿摩擦色牢度均为4～5级，水接触角为110.1°，紫外防护系数>50。硅氧烷低聚物通过侧基上的不饱和双键发生自由基聚合和硅醇基偶合交联实现固色，并赋予织物良好的疏水性能和抗紫外线性能。     

负载织物对纳米TiO2光催化剂净化氨气性能的影响

制备了纳米光催化剂悬浮液,借助后整理工艺对3种织物进行负载加工,并利用X射线衍射仪(XRD)和扫描电镜(SEM)等对其进行了表征. 通过自行设计的小型环境舱和光催化反应器重点考察了棉机织物、涤纶机织物和涤/棉混纺机织物对纳米光催化剂净化氨气性能的影响,并比较了在不同负载织物表面上纳米光催化剂的活性. 结果表明,负载纳米光催化剂的棉织物的氨气净化性能高于负载纳米光催化剂的涤纶织物和涤/棉混纺织物的氨气净化性能. 在负载Ag-TiO2光催化剂的条件下,负载涤纶织物和涤/棉混纺织物对氨气的净化性能有所加强.     

Shade darkening effect of polyorganosiloxane modified with amino and hydroxy groups on dyed polyester microfiber fabric

The novel polyorganosiloxane material S‐101 modified with amino and hydroxy groups is synthesized. Shade darkening effect of modified polyorganosiloxane on dyed polyester microfiber fabric is investigated by reflectance spectrum, color yield (K/S), and the color differences (ΔE). The colorimetric data of CIELAB is discussed. The results show that the novel material of silicone polymer modified with amino and hydroxy groups has excellent shade darkening effect on dyed polyester microfiber fabric. The rates of the color yield increase (I%) of all dyed fabric with four dyes (Disperse Yellow S‐4RL, Red GS, Blue 2BLN, and Black SF‐R) exceed 10%. The shapes of the reflectance spectra curves of the dyed fabrics before and after treated with S‐101 are not noticeable change. The dyed fabrics with the polymer have not significant effect on the wash fastness and wet rubbing fastness. The low reflectance thin film on dyed fabrics is formed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Flame‐retardant fabric systems based on electrospun polyamide/boric acid nanocomposite fibers

To examine the feasibility of developing flame‐retardant‐textile coated fabric systems with electrospun polyamide/boric acid nanocomposites, fiber webs coated on cotton substrates were developed to impart‐fire retardant properties. The morphology of the polyamide/boric acid nanocomposite fibers was examined with scanning electron microscopy. The flame‐retardant properties of coated fabric systems with different nanoparticle contents were assessed. The flame retardancy of the boric acid coated fabric systems was evaluated quantitatively with a flammability test apparatus fabricated on the basis of Consumer Product Safety Commission 16 Code of Federal Regulations part 1610 standard and also by thermogravimetric analysis. The 0.05 wt % boric acid nanocomposite fiber web coated on pure cotton fabric exhibited an increment in flame‐spreading time of greater than 80%, and this indicated excellent fire protection. Also, the coated fabric systems with 0.05% boric acid nanocomposite fiber webs exhibited a distinct shift in the peak value in the thermal degradation profile and a 75% increase in char formation in the thermooxidative degradation profile, as indicated by the results of thermogravimetric analysis. The results show the feasibility of successfully imparting flame‐retardant properties to cotton fabrics through the electrospinning of the polymer material with boric acid nanoparticles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012