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Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology

Flame Retardants for Textiles

Standard Article

Timothy A. Calamari Jr.¹ and Robert J. Harper Jr.¹

¹United States Department of Agriculture

Published 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

DOI: 10.1002/0471238961.0612011303011201.a01
Article Online Posting Date: December 4, 2000

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Abstract

This article reviews the treatment of textiles with chemical finishes to provide protection from fire. It traces the history of fire-retardant chemistry from early work up to the most recent (ca 1993) developments in this area. Details of selected fire-retardant finishes are presented both for natural fibers, ie, cotton and wool, and for synthetic fibers, ie, polyester and nylon. Essentials of the presently accepted theories of fire retardants and of the burning process are outlined. Specific finishes, test methods, and methods of application are discussed. A review of published work in this area as well as an estimate of the current status of the flame-retardant industry are provided.

Keywords: Flame retardants; Textiles; Flame resistance; Terminology; Durability; Nondurable finishes; Outdoor finishes; Semidurable; Retardants types; Smolder resistance; Upholstery; Durable press; Natural fibers; Polyester fibers; Core yarn