A Theory of Flame-Retardant Finishes

Abstract

A survey of the newer flame retardants suggests a simple theory for their constitu tion. The molecule should be water-insoluble to achieve durability in laundering. A solvent-soluble organic molecule is therefore proposed. The ortho-phosphate group should be present in the molecule to dehydrate catalytically the cellulose substrate. The molecule should contain polymerizable groups to effect a permanency of finish. The molecule should contain halogen or other groupings to reduce the flammability of the gases of decomposition. The necessity to reduce this flammability is shown in anomalous results obtained with the Vertical-Bunsen test method. This is one of the failures of several treatments. The influence of other factors such as fabric weight and finish is discussed.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Allen, J.F. , and Johnson, O.H. , J. Am. Chem. Soc. 77, 2871 (1955).

Church, J. M., U. S. Quartermaster Corps Textile Ser. Rept. 38 (1952) ; released by Off. Tech. Serv. (U. S. Dept. Comm.) as PB-111007.

Esteve, R.M. , Jr., et al., QM Contract DA44-109-qm-1414, Progress Reports, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, R. I. (1953, 1954).

Esteve, R.M. , Jr., and Laible, R. , special report, "Char-Tar Determinations from the Pyrolysis of Antimony Oxide-Vinyl Chloride Treated Cotton Fabrics," QM Contract DA44-109-qm-421 , University of Rhode Island, Kingston, R. I. (1953).

Frick, J.G. , Jr., Weaver, J.W. , and Reid, J.D. , TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL 25, 100 (1955).

Gould, R. , unpublished data, Quartermaster Research and Development Command, Natick, Mass. (1953).

Greathouse, G.A. , and Wessel, C.J. , Deterioration of Materials, Reinhold Publishing Co., New York, pp. 492-494 (1954).

Guercia, R. , Textile Functional Finishes Laboratory Report Nos. 57 and 120, "Fire Tests of Tent-age," Quartermaster Research and Development Command , Natick, Mass. (1952, 1953).

Little, R.W. , Flameproofing Textile Fabrics, Reinhold Publishing Co. , New York (1947).

10.

McQuade, A.J. , Textile Functional Finishes Laboratory Report No. 147, "Recent Work on Flame Resistant Treatments for Textile Fabrics," Quartermaster Research and Development Command, Natick, Mass. (1954).