Thermogravimetric analysis of a cotton fabric incorporated by ‘Graham’s salt’ applied as a flame-retardant

We have investigated the effect of ‘Graham’s salt’ as a phosphorous containing flame-retardant applied onto cotton fabric. The optimum loading of this salt to impart flameretardancy has been determined to be about 36.78-41-31 g salt per 100 g cotton woven fabric (plain 144 g m−2). Thermogravimetry of pure cotton, treated cotton fabric and the pure salt were accomplished. The curves were then compared and commented. They reveal that this salt thermosensibilized combustion of the treated substrate as a dehydrating agent. The results obtained fortified the ‘Chemical Theory’ and ‘Coating Theory’ evidenced the formation of carbonaceous residue upon the cellulosic substrate during the combustion.