Thermogravimetric analysis of a cellulosic fabric incorporated by synthetic ammonium magnesium phosphate as a flame-retardant

We have investigated the effect of synthetic struvite (MgNH4PO4 center dot 6H(2)o) on the flammability of a cellulosic fabric. It was synthesized by means of the multiple-bath method and deposited onto a cotton fabric. Its uniformity was ensured by means of squeeze rolls, obtaining the optimum effective add-on value of ammonium magnesium phosphate to impart flame retardancy to cotton fabric in the range of around 12g anhydrous salt per 100g fabric. A thermogravimetric analysis of pure cotton, treated cotton, and the salt was accomplished, and their thermograms were compared and commented upon. The results obtained fortified the chemical theory expressing the promotion of the formation of solid char rather than the formation of volatile pyrolysis products, during the fulfillment of thermal decomposition of the cellulosic substrate.