Phosphorus Containing Flame Retardants and Their Textile Applications

In this paper, we discuss the new challenge phosphorus containing flame retardant compounds and the properties for covalently bonded cotton’s surface.  We showed the design, synthesis, and characterization of (2-methyl-oxiranylmethyl)-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester and [2-(dimethoxy-phosphorylmethyl)-oxyranylmethyl]-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester and cured with dicyandiamide and citric acid.  These monomers were grafted onto cotton fabrics (plain weave, twill and fleece) to impart flame resistance (Polym. Adv. Technol. 2007, 18, 611-619).  Recently, the mono- or bis-(dimethoxy-hydroxymethylphosphonyl) cyanurate compound is prepared by simple two steps in high yield.  Cyanuric chloride is excellent starting materials for preparing with phosphonates that interact well with cotton to improve flame retardant (FR) performance properties. The process of treatment of cotton fabrics with new FR material primary in a manner that results in covalent bonding formation between the FR material and the cotton fabrics.  A new FR system is need for more efficient flame retardant at low cost, to meet government mandates. This new FR system and cotton textiles treated with FR material were developed, synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C) spectra, cross polarization and magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) 13C spectra, FT-IR, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the flammability test such as limiting oxygen index (LOI), 45 degree angle and vertical are may introduced.