Mechanistic Study of Flame Inhibition by Phosphonate- and Phosphonium-Based Flame Retardants on Cotton and Polyester Fabrics

A large number of products was synthesized and the flame-retardant properties on polyester/cotton blends determined. Phosphonium salt oligomers were more efficient on blends than the conventional phosphonate used on cellulosics. Among the reasons given to substantiate this conclusion is the observation that the oligomer shows a higher degree of fixation than the phosphonate on both polyester/cotton blends and on pure polyester. Furthermore, the oligomer appears to be effective in the gas phase on polyester and in the solid phase on cotton.