EFFECTS OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS ON PYROLYTIC GAS FORMATION FROM CELLULOSIC FIBERS

Abstract

Flame retardant effects of nitrogen and/or phosphorous treatments of cotton fabrics were investigated through the analysis of pyrolytic gas formation. While the pyrolytic behavior of N-and/or P-treated samples with low limiting oxygen index (LOI) was similar to that of the untreated material, the behavior of samples with high LOI was remarkably altered. In particular, the sample treated with 20% diammonium hydrogen phosphate showed a large decrease in the generation of a poisonous gas (acrolein) and flammable gases, and showed an increase in the formation of unsaturated cyclic compounds, which contributed to the self-extinguishing behavior. These results were attributed to the synergistic effect of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds added to the cellulosic materials.