The effects of weathering and atmospheric pollutants on cotton fabric and cotton fabric treated with selected flame retardants. I. Physical, chemical, and flammability properties

摘要

AbstractThe effects of weathering and atmospheric pollutants on the physical, chemical, and flammability properties of cotton fabric treated with Pyrovatex 3805 and with THPOH‐NH3flame retardant finishes and untreated controls were determined. The fabrics were exposed to SO2, NO2, and ozone singly and in combination for 50, 100, and 150 hr in a 2500‐watt xenon arc Weather‐Ometer using gas controls with and without light at a temperature of 35°C and a relative humidity of 90. Excessive strength losses and large changes in D.P. for the untreated control occurred under all exposure conditions after 150 hr. Changes in the physical and chemical properties of the treated fabrics were moderated by the finishes, with Pyrovatex 3805 providing better protection to the cellulose than THPOH‐NH3. Elemental analysis and oxygen index measurements indicate that the Pyrovatex 3805 finish was severely degraded under these exposure conditions, with a resultant loss in flammability properties of the treated fabric after weathering. The THPOH‐NH3finish was not appreciably affected by these exposure conditions and the treated fabric retained most of its flammability properties after