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Effect of softener and wetting agent on improving the flammability, comfort, and mechanical properties of flame-retardant finished cotton fabric

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Abstract

Cotton, a commonly used textile material, tends to burn easily. For some specific end-uses, flame-retardant (FR) properties are required. However, this kind of finish tends to worsen the hand feel and strength of the fabric. This study explored the feasibility of applying softener and wetting agent during flame-retardant treatment of cotton fabrics to improve their comfort and mechanical properties. Here, flame-retardant agent Pyrovatex CP New, crosslinking agent Knittex CHN, and phosphoric acid were combined with various softeners and wetting agent, and applied to the fabrics using a pad–dry–cure process. Fabric combustibility was evaluated by 45° flammability test. The thermal decomposition behavior and chemical structure of the samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The thermophysiological comfort properties, hand, and mechanical properties of the fabrics were additionally measured. The results demonstrated that FR-treated cotton specimens had lower strength and poor fabric hand and wettability, which might be caused by formation of crosslinks due to the acidic reaction condition and high curing temperature. Meanwhile, softener addition could compensate for these drawbacks and remarkably improve fabric hand and strength. On the other hand, addition of wetting agents could improve the flame resistance of the FR-treated fabrics.

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Fig. 1

[reprinted with permission from Poon and Kan (2015), Elsevier, license no. 3990280994351]

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Abbreviations

FR:

Flame retardant

PA:

Phosphoric acid

CPNew:

Pyrovatex CP New

CHN:

Knittex CHN

FSA:

Ultratex FSA New

ACN:

Turpex ACN New

FH:

Ultratex FH New

DCW:

Ultraphil DCW New

PBN:

Invadine PBN

KES-F:

Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics

FTIR:

Fourier-transform infrared

ATR:

Attenuated total reflection

TGA:

Thermogravimetric analysis

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

B :

Bending rigidity

G :

Shear stiffness

SMD:

Surface roughness

MIU:

Coefficient of friction

WT:

Tensile energy

RT:

Tensile resilience

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a research studentship from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University granted to Dr. Ka-po Maggie Tang (RPPU). This work is part of a final-year project submitted by Sai-leung Tso in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a BA (Hons) degree at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Thanks are also due to Huntsman for sponsoring of chemicals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

    Ka-po Maggie Tang & Jin-tu Fan

  2. Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Chi-wai Kan & Sai-leung Tso

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  1. Ka-po Maggie Tang
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  2. Chi-wai Kan
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  3. Jin-tu Fan
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  4. Sai-leung Tso
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Correspondence to Chi-wai Kan.

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Tang, Kp.M., Kan, Cw., Fan, Jt. et al. Effect of softener and wetting agent on improving the flammability, comfort, and mechanical properties of flame-retardant finished cotton fabric. Cellulose 24, 2619–2634 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-017-1268-z

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