Thermogravimetric Analysis of Flame-Retardant-Treated Wools

Abstract

The thermogravimetric analysis of wool treated with a number of flame retardants has revealed that the retardants can be divided into two groups: those that retard the rate of mass loss on heating, and those (compounds of zirconium, titanium, tin, tungsten, and chromium) that enhance the rate of decomposition of the wool at temperatures where disintegration of the protein chains occur. Data were obtained on two different instruments, and while the results are in good qualitative agreement, it is emphasized that great care should be taken before quantitative comparisons of results from different instruments are undertaken.