Premium
Flame‐resistant cotton textiles by a continuous photocuring process
Author(s) -
Harris James A.,
Keating Esmond J.,
Goynes Wilton R.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1980.070251016
Subject(s) - materials science , oligomer , textile , monomer , copolymer , cellulose , composite material , aqueous solution , polymer , polymerization , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
A continuous process for the photoinitiated copolymerization of vinyl phosphonate oligomer (MW 0.5–1.0 kg) and N ‐methylolacrylamide from aqueous solutions with cotton printcloth and a sateen fabric was investigated. The free radical reactions, initiated on the cellulose molecules by exposure of the padded cotton fabric to UV radiation gave a flame‐resistant (DOC FF 3‐71 test) textile product. The effects of several variables on the efficiency of oligomer and monomer conversion to polymer add‐on were determined, with maximum efficiencies being 75–85%. Variables were fabric speed through the reactor (0.006–0.039 m/sec), light transmission through Pyrex or quartz windows in the tunnel, four sets of interchangeable tri‐power UV lamps having different spectral distributions and relative intensities, and heat buildup within the reactor. Selected samples of these modified cotton fabrics were evaluated for flame resistance, some textile properties, and elemental phosphorus and nitrogen analysis. Copolymer and phosphorus distribution within and between the cotton fibers were illustrated by transmission electron microscopy and by energy dispersive x‐ray analysis.