Influence of precursor ratios on the properties of cotton coated with a sol-gel flame retardant

Abstract

Cotton has many desirable properties, but is flammable. The flame retardant treatment of cotton is an important textile process. To study the effect of a sol-gel phosphate-based flame-retardant coating on fabric properties (flammability, stiffness and strength), coatings were applied to cotton fabrics using different ratios of sol-gel precursors. The results showed that the ratio of sol-gel precursors influenced fabric stiffness and strength but not flammability. The distribution of the sol-gel flame retardant was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) elemental mapping. SEM images showed the formation of a thin coating and different features on the surfaces of the fibres. EDAX scan analysis revealed different distribution patterns of silicon and phosphorus on the fiber surfaces.