Introduction to commonly used flame retardants in textiles and related flame retardant regulations
Commonly used fire retardants for fabrics can be classified according to their durability and fire retardant elements. Different countries have different regulations regarding the fire resistance of commonly used fabrics.
1. Commonly used fire retardants for fabrics
1. Classification according to the durability of fire-resistant fabrics
(1) Non-durable fireproof finishing agent: temporary fireproof finishing agent. Most are water-soluble (or emulsion) inorganic salts. During treatment, the fire retardant is first dissolved in water, and the fabric can be used after dipping and drying; there is also a two-bath soaking method. The Chinese Academy of Fabric Sciences is responsible for formulating a rolling method for testing the burning properties of fabrics. The second bath uses ammonia or soda ash to deposit metal oxides. 13 items of weaving test methods and product standards have been approved by the National Bureau of Standards and are on public property. This method has a simple process and low price, but the fabric has a poor hand feel and is difficult to wash. The fire retardant effect is greatly reduced after washing.
(2) Semi-durable fireproof finishing agent: Its fireproof products can withstand 1 to 10 times of air cleaning, but are not resistant to high-temperature soaping. This method includes urea-phosphoric acid method (usually called Banflam method), urea phosphate method, and ammonium phosphate-hydroxymethyl ammonium cyanide-methyl vinegar mixed solution method.
(3) Durable fireproof finishing agent: Chemical methods are used to carry out polymerization or condensation reaction on the internal surface of the fiber to form a water-insoluble polymer, which generally requires more than 30 times of washing resistance. The main methods include Ciba (CP) method and Proban method. The CP method is manufactured by the Swiss Ciba-Geigy company. The finishing process of this method is simple to implement and has significant fire protection effect. The disadvantage is that the fabric strength loss is large and has a greater impact on the clothing’s energy production; the Prban method is manufactured by the British O’Brien-Wilson Co., Ltd. Manufactured by the company, the fabric treated by this method has good fireproofing effect, especially the handle and strong retention of the fabric after treatment are unmatched by any other finishing method. However, this method is more dangerous, causes serious environmental pollution, and its promotion is limited.
2. Classification according to fire protection elements
(1) Halogen-containing fire retardant: During the pyrolysis process, X and HX are decomposed to capture and transfer combustion free radicals. HX can dilute the flammable gas generated when the fiber is cracked, or cut off contact with the air.
(2) Phosphorus-containing fire retardant: Phosphoric anhydride or phosphoric acid is produced during the combustion process, which promotes dehydration and carbonization of fabrics and blocks or reduces the generation of flammable gases. In addition, when phosphoric anhydride is pyrolyzed, it forms a glass-like melt that covers the fabric, prompting its oxidation to generate carbon dioxide, which plays a fire-proof role.
(3) Nitrogen-containing fire retardant: Nitrogen compounds can interact with cellulose to promote cross-linking into char, reduce the decomposition temperature of the fabric, and produce non-flammable gases that dilute flammable gases.
2. Introduction to fire protection regulations for commonly used fabrics
UK Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations – UK Furniture Fire Safety Regulations require that all household upholstered furniture, furniture and other upholstered products imported into the UK must meet fire protection requirements , such products include: furniture for indoor and other private use (including caravans), such as sofas, beds, children’s furniture, cushions; high chairs, mattresses (any size) and pillows, but do not include bedding or floor coverings Felt (including carpets, mats/cushions); furniture for outdoor personal use (such as garden/yard outdoor furniture), but also suitable for indoor and other residential use (including caravans); any components used in the above types of products.
California Flammability Law – The state of California requires that the fillings of all household fabric products must be fireproof. Such products must be labeled with “flameresistant”, “flameretardant” and/or or similar words, and must pass testing in accordance with the California Furniture Fire Resistance Code. The regulations apply to: upholstered furniture including seat cushions; pillows larger than 26 inches; mattresses.
FMVSS302: U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Fire Resistance of Interior Materials. It is suitable for any component such as seat cushions, backrests, curtains, etc. of various automobiles such as cars, utility vehicles, trucks and buses.
Workwear-USCPSC16CFRPART1610: Fire resistance standard for clothing fabrics-16CFR1610, suitable for adult and children’s workwear. By providing an American National Standard for fire resistance testing and rating of work clothing and fabrics, the goal is to prevent any hazardous use of flammable fabrics and reduce the risk of damage and life-threatening injuries.
Children’s pajamas-16CFRPart1615/1616: On September 16, 1996, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a revised version of the fire resistance standard for children’s pajamas (16CFRPart1615/1616). This regulation imposes strict requirements on infant and children’s pajamas. It is suitable for children’s pajamas, such as nightgowns, pajamas, robes, etc., which are worn for the purpose of sleeping or sleep-related activities.
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