The development of non-toxic and durable flame retardant fabrics using surface treatment methods is of interest for numerous military and civilian applications. However, most approaches reported currently for surface treatments render the fabric stiff and non-breathable. Microencapsulation is an accepted strategy used to incorporate additives onto textiles. Here we present a new approach for encapsulating safer flame retardants and functionalizing them onto Nylon-Cotton (NyCo) fabric. A phosphorous-based flame retardant is encapsulated in a crosslinked network of bio-based polyphenols. The reaction parameters such as concentration of ingredients, reaction time and stirring rate are varied to optimize encapsulation efficiency. The product is characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and FTIR-ATR. The thermal stability and heat release characteristics of these capsules are studied using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry (PCFC) respectively. These microcapsules are coated to the NyCo fabric and further characterization is carried out on coated fabric swatches. Vertical Flame Test (VFT) is used to study the flame retardant properties of coated fabric swatches. This research opens new possibilities for safer and durable flame retardant materials for fabrics using a microencapsulation approach.

Microencapsulation of flame retardants: A new approach for imparting fire resistance to nylon-cotton fabric blends

2019 Spring National Meeting

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