A Flame-Retardant Finish Based upon Tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine

Abstract

A new flame-retardant finish utilizing tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine (THP), trimethylolmelamine (TMM), one and a half methylolurea (11/2 MU), and a mixed catalyst (MgCl₂.6H ₂O-citric acid) has been developed. The process con sisted of padding cotton fabrics through an aqueous solution containing 14.3% THP, 13.35% 11/2 MU, 4.45% TMM, 1% mixed catalyst, and 1% wetting agent.

Sateen padded with 28% solids level solutions (exclusive of wetting agent and catalyst) and printcloth padded with 32% solids level solutions passed the vertical flame test after 50 launderings. Treated fabrics had good hand and appear ance. Losses in breaking strength were approximately 10% and tearing strength losses were of the same order of magni tude for wash-wear fabric.

Keywords

Sateen printcloth cotton fabric Resloom HP(TN)trimethylolmelamine tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine methylo lureas. Flame-retardant finish. Mixed catalyst Tritan-100(TN)melt in gages. Temperature time pH concentra tion add-on. P content pad-dry-cure break and tear strength oxidation durability char length launderability stiffness values wrinkle recovery angles aging.

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