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Author
Gilliland, B. F.
Title
Study of the Flame Retardant Properties and the Thermal Behavior of Selected Flame Retardant Cottons.
Coporate
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY
Report
Thesis
September 1970
145 p.
Keywords
cotton fabrics | flame retardants | thermal behavior | thermal degradation | finishes (fabrics) | oxygen index | thermal analysis | chemical analysis | flame resistance tests | differential scanning | char | thermogravimetric analysis | activation energy | decomposition | fabric flammability
Identifiers
infrared analysis; fabric treatments; preparation of samples; physical tests; heat of reaction; infrared examination
Abstract
Cotton cellulose when exposed to an ignition source will decompose and produce gases which ignite, propagate the flame and heat, and further decompose the cellulose until only a feathery ash remains. Cotton may be made flame-retardant by treatment with chemical finishes that change the course of normal thermal decomposition and combustion reactions so that flaming does not occur. Flame retardant cellulose will decompose to produce a large carbonaceous char and will not readily propagate a flame. Phosphorus-containing compounds in combination with nitrogen or with a halogen are the most widely used durable (washfast) flame retardants.