Thermogravimetric studies of deposited potash impregnated for flame-retardancy into a cotton fabric

The effect of potash as a nondurable finish on the flammability of 100% cotton fabric (plain 180 g/m(2)) was investigated. The bone-dried weighed fabrics were dipped into suitable concentrations of potash, with a volume of 100 mL at 20-2 degrees C. The impregnation was followed by means of squeeze rolls and drying at 110 degrees C. The samples were then reweighed with analytical precision. After conditioning overnight by using our "vertical flame tester" the optimum add-on values to impart flame-retardancy to cotton fabric was determined and expressed by 0.80 g of potash per 100 g fabric to be an efficient addition. Thermogravimetric analysis of pure cotton, treated cotton with potash at its optimum efficiency for donation of flame-retardancy into cotton fabric was fulfilled and the thermograms were compared and commented. The effectiveness of this hydroxide was attributed to the heat dissipation by the remaining consumed material during the combustion. The results obtained are in favor of "Dust or Wall Effect Theory".