Flame-Retardant Properties of Phosphonate Derivatives of Cotton Cellulose

Abstract

The Arbuzov reaction of cotton fabric containing the haloacetamidomethyl groups Cell-OCH₂NHCOCH ₂X (X=I, Br, Cl) has been studied systematically to prepare new cellulose phosphonate ester derivatives. Comparison of flame-retardant properties of the phosphonate derivatives with those of fabric containing a deposited polymer of related structure showed that phosphorus is more efficient in the form of a cellulose derivative. Problems generally associated with fabrics containing flame-retardant finishes, notably stiffness, were also minimized in the case of derivative formation. Laundering durability was excellent. Further studies on the synergistic effect of nitrogen on flame retardant properties confirmed earlier results and showed that cotton sheeting fabric containing an N/P ratio of 3 at 2% P, 6 at 1.4% P, and about 12 at 0.9% P passed the vertical flame test.