Fire Resistant-Durable Press Fabrics with Low Formaldehyde Release

Abstract

Formaldehyde release from fabrics with a fire resistant-durable press (FR-DP) finish was significantly reduced. The FR-DP finish was based on the simul taneous use of decabromodiphenyl oxide, antimony oxide, an acrylic binder, and 1,3-dimethylol 4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea. Three polyols were incorporated into the FR-DP treating solution to reduce formaldehyde release from treated fabrics. 1,2-Propanediol and glycerol were found to reduce formaldehyde release to about 500 μg/g of treated fabric without severe adverse effects on appearance ratings, wrinkle recovery, oxygen index, or durability of the finish. Fire resistance of treated fabrics, with or without the polyols, decreased sub stantially after 15 launderings.

Keywords

fire resistant-durable press fabrics fire resistant durable press decabromodiphenyl oxide antimony oxide 1,3-dimethylol 4,5-dihydroxyethy leneurea wrinkle resistant oxygen index glycerol 1,2-propanediol ethylene glycol.

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