Thermal Analysis of Fire Retarded Biobased Composite Nonwovens: Thermal Analysis of Nonwovens and Components

Composite nonwoven materials have been prepared from biobased materials only, viz., natural fibers (cotton and other natural fibers) and plant derived polyhydroxyalkanoates as reinforcing component. Fire retarding finishing has been performed using halogen-free compositions that contained only phosphorus, nitrogen and boron as retarding elements. Thermal analysis was focused on degradation of nonwovens and their components both in air and inert atmosphere (nitrogen) to complete decomposition. A correlation has been made between the rate of thermal degradation and fire retardation as indicated by the oxygen index.  Differential scanning calorimetry has been used to determine melting transitions of crystalline polymer and fire retarding components. Sustainability of FR composite nonwovens is discussed based on their anaerobic and aerobic biodegradation. The nonwovens have an array of potential applications, from building materials to car components.