A plant-based reactive ammonium phytate for use as a flame-retardant for cotton fabric

A plant-based non-formaldehyde flame retardant containing high phosphorus ammonium phytate (APA) was synthesized for cotton fabric. The char length of treated cotton sample decreased to 31mm from the original 300mm. The LOI value of finished cotton fabric was as high as 43.2%, and after 30 laundering cycles, it still remained 30.5%, suggesting that APA could be used as an effective semi-durable flame retardant. The TG analysis in air demonstrated that the thermal oxidation stability of treated fabric was significantly improved. Cone calorimetry results showed that the peak heat release rate and total heat release of treated sample reduced obviously comparing with that of control sample. The SEM morphologies suggested that the APA molecule penetrated into the inner space of cotton fibers. FTIR spectra implied the APA molecule grafted onto cotton fibers. Then, the effective flame retardant APA has significant potential in practical application.