Flame Resistant Non-Cellulosic Fibers and Fiber Blends

Techniques to attain flame resistant non-cellulosic textiles from high temperature resistant organic polymers, from inorganic fibers or by modification of existing synthetic fibers, are reviewed. The latter modifications are attained by copolymerization with flame resistant monomers, by incorporating flame retarding chemicals to the dope prior to spinning, or by the surface modification of synthetic fibers. The flammability behavior of cellulosic/ther moplastic fiber blends cannot be predicted from the flammability of the fiber components. Polyester/cellulosic blends can be rendered self-extinguishing by selectively treating one of the fiber components, preferably the cellulosics, with flame retarding chemicals effective on both types of fibers.