Post‐polymerization functionalization to a novel phosphorus‐ and nitrogen‐containing polyether coating for flame retardant treatment of PET fabric

Concerns about the rising trend of stringent fire safety regulations and demands for reduction in the fire hazard call for a careful evaluation of the environmental impact of flame retardant materials choices. With the worldwide bans and restrictions in the use of traditional halogen‐based fire retardant systems, phosphorus/nitrogen synergistic flame retardants became evident. We report here a novel phosphorus‐ and nitrogen‐containing polyether (PN‐PEO) prepared by post‐polymerization functionalization. The resultant polyethers (PN‐PEO) were subsequently coated onto the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics by a simple solution‐dipping method to exploit a highly efficient fire retardant. It was found that the loadings of 17.8% PN‐PEO had a strong barrier effect in the char layer of the PN‐POE‐coated PET fabrics after exposed to the torch flame, and resulted in complete suppression of PET fabrics ignition on radiant heat exposure.