Citation

Wang MY, Horrocks AR, Horrocks S, Hall ME, Pearson JS, Clegg S. J. Fire Sci. 2000; 18(4): 265-294.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A series of back-coated cotton fabrics comprising varying molar ratios of chlorine, bromine and antimony has been studied using a simulated match ignition test, LOI and thermal analysis (TGA and DTA). Results show that the presence of chlorine alone and in combination with bromine increases LOI and carbonaceous char values at optimum halogen:antimony molar ratios of 2.5-3.6:1 and bromine:chlorine molar ratios within the range 0.31-0.42. Only bads-coated samples containing bromine pass the simulated match test although at Br:Sb molar ratios above 4:1, LOI and char residual values decrease. It is evident that condensed and vapour phase flame retardant mechanisms are operating with efficiencies determined by halogen:Sb and Br/Cl molar ratios. Partial and whole replacement of halogen and antimony by phosphorus-containing and other flame retardants in the back-coating formulation that do not function in the vapour phase may be used to pass the simulated match test.