Recent Advances for Flame Retardancy of Textiles Based on Phosphorus Chemistry

Abstract

This paper aims at updating the progress on the phosphorus-based flame retardants specifically designed and developed for fibers and fabrics (particularly referring to cotton, polyester and their blends) over the last five years. Indeed, as clearly depicted by Horrocks in a recent review, the world of flame retardants for textiles is still experiencing some changes that are focused on topics like the improvement of its effectiveness and the replacement of toxic chemical products with counterparts that have low environmental impact and, hence, are more sustainable. In this context, phosphorus-based compounds play a key role and may lead, possibly in combination with silicon-or nitrogen-containing structures, to the design of new, efficient flame retardants for fibers and fabrics. Therefore, this review thoroughly describes the advances and the potentialities offered by the phosphorus-based products recently developed at a lab-scale, highlighting the current limitations, open challenges and some perspectives toward their possible exploitation at a larger scale.

Recent developments in P(O/S)–N containing flame retardants

“…116 In many cases, it is claimed that P(O)-N compounds offer synergism and improved flame retardancy of cellulose. Like many organic polymers, cellulose is inherently flammable and mostly flame retarded by incorporation of FR additives in bulk or as coatings.…”

“…P-FRs especially the P(O)-N containing compounds are very popular for flame retardation of cellulose. 116 In many cases, it is claimed that P(O)-N compounds offer synergism and improved flame retardancy of cellulose. [116][117][118] A series of alkyl ester phosphoramidates derivative (69)(70)(71)(72)(73)(74)(75) as shown in figure 20 were synthesized and incorporated in cellulose fibers obtained from a different source (peat and cotton fibers).…”

Recent Advances in Soft E-Textiles

“…Coating the surface of fabrics with nanoparticles can produce surfaces that are oil-and water-repellant, flame-retardant, antimicrobial, ultra-violet-light blocking, antistatic, wrinkle-resistant, and self-cleaning [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47]. Figure 2 describes the broad spectrum of application of nanoparticles and the associated technologies in e-textiles.…”

Specific testing of textiles for transportation

“…Large efforts are currently deployed to develop eco-friendly additives and finishes for textiles. For instance, phosphorous-based compounds (Salmeia, Gaan, & Malucelli, 2016) as well as nanoclay and carbon nanotube composites (Arao, 2015) are considered as an alternative to halogenated fire retardants. Natural dyes may also ultimately replace the toxic synthetic dyes currently used in the textile industry (Bechtold, Turcanu, Ganglberger, & Geissler, 2003); in addition, their application does not require the use of solvents or other chemicals, and they lead to a reduction in the chemical load released with waste waters.…”