Flame Retardant and Fire-Resistant Finishes

Flame retardant finishes reduce flammability via gas-phase radical scavenging, char formation, or endothermic decomposition mechanisms. Organophosphorus treatments (THPC-ammonia Proban process) achieve LOI 28-32% with wash durability >50 cycles for cotton, meeting children's sleepwear standards 16 CFR 1615/1616. Metal hydroxides (ATH, MDH at 40-60% loading) provide non-toxic FR for coated textiles. Inherently FR fibers include aramid (Nomex LOI 28-29% for firefighter gear), modacrylic (LOI 26-30% for curtains), and PBI (LOI 40-42% for astronaut suits). Testing standards include vertical flame test ASTM D6413, LOI measurement ISO 4589, and cone calorimetry ISO 5660 for heat release rate. Applications span protective clothing, children's sleepwear, home furnishings, and transportation textiles meeting NFPA, FAR, and TB regulations with environmental concerns driving shift from halogenated to phosphorus-based and bio-based FR systems.