Photochemical Deterioration of Flame-Retarded Polyester Fabrics

Abstract

A series of fla me-retared poly ester fabrics were irradiated in a xenon-arc Weather-Ometer and the changesa in limiting oxygen index, tensile properties, and degree of yellowing were measured. The role of the elemental flame retardants bromine and phosphorus in these photochemical degradation processes was evaluated. The principal problems arising from the photochemical deterioration processes appear to be the discoloration reactions which occur and the loss of tensile strength, especially when bromine is present in the fabric as a flame retardant. In comparison to the loss in physical properties, the increase in the ignitability of the fabrics on irradiation is relatively insignificant. to the loss in

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