Development of an Intumescent System Based on Phosphorus-Containing Bio - macromolecules for the Flame-Retardant Finishing of Cellulosic Textile Materials
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction. Owing to the limitations of conventional flame retardants and increasingly stringent environmental regulations worldwide, the development of environmentally benign approaches to improving the flame resistance of textile materials has become an important research priority.Problem Statement. Flame-retardant properties are conventionally imparted to textile fabrics throughimpregnation with flame-retardant formulations, many of which are based on halogen-containing compounds that pose significant environmental and health risks.Purpose. This study aims to develop an intumescent formulation based on naturally occurring compounds for enhancing the thermal stability and flame resistance of cotton fabrics.Materials and Methods. The developed intumescent formulation consists of phytic acid as the primary phosphorus-containing flame retardant, allantoin as the nitrogen-containing component, citric acid, and aluminum sulfate. The thermal stability of the treated fabrics is evaluated by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, structural changes are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and flame-retardant performance is assessed using the vertical flame test.Results. The presence of phytic acid, particularly in combination with aluminum sulfate acting as a smoke suppressant, promotes the onset of thermal decomposition at lower temperatures than in unt reated cotton owing to the early decomposition of phytic acid prior to the degradation of the cellulose substrate. At the same time, the temperature corresponding to the final stage of cellulose degradation shifts to higher values, increasing from 499 оC for untreated cotton to 550 оC and 544 оC for the formulations containing phytic acid. The char residue increases by approximately 6%, indicating enhanced thermal stability of the treated fabric. Furthermore, the intumescent action of allantoin as the nitrogen-containing component improves the structural integrity and volumetric stability of the protective char layer. FTIR spect roscopy has confirmed the formation of chemical interactions between the flame-retardant formulationcontaining phytic acid and allantoin and the cellulose fi bers.Conclusions. The developed intumescent system based on naturally occurring phosphorus- and nitrogen-containing compounds has demonstrated high potential for improving the thermal stability and flame resistance of cellulosic textiles. The obtained results have provided a scientific basis for the development of environmentally friendly flameretardant formulations for cotton and cotton-blended textile materials
Source: Science and innovation
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214457249