Abstract
Graft copolymerization of bis (2-chloroethyl) vinylphosphonate (CEVP) with various vinyl monomers initiated with cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate onto cotton fabrics was studied. CEVP alone didn't polymerize in the presence of cellulose and CeIVion. Graft copolymers of CEVP-acrylamide (AAm)-vinylidene chloride (VDC), CEVP-AAm-vinyl chloride and CEVP-AAm-vinyl bromide onto cotton fabrics were prepared; AAm and vinyl halides were employed as nitrogen and halogen containing monomers. The cotton satin modified by grafting with these monomers was found to be satisfactory flame-retardant. Charred area and limited oxygen index of the grafted cotton satin consisted of 57.9% CEVP-AAm-VDC copolymeric branch were 30cm2 and 32.9, respectively. The grafted cotton satin still conserved the flame-retardant property after 5 times laundry and 5 times drycleaning. Tear strength of the 48.0% CEVP-AAm-VDC grafted cotton satin retained 48% in warp and 56% in weft of those of the untreated fabric. Tensile strength of the grafted cotton satin enhanced to 118% in warp and 109% in weft.
