Synthesis of triethylenetetramine phosphonate ammonium flame retardant and its application to cotton fabrics

A novel flame retardant, Triethylenetetramine phosphonate ammonium (TECHPA), containing and phosphate groups, was synthesized characterized by 1H, 13C, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of cotton fabric treated with 40 g/L TECHPA reached 36.8%, which remained at 31.1% after 50 laundering cycles. infrared spectra durability test suggested retardant grafted onto fibers through P–O–C covalent bonds. TG cone calorimetry indicated fabrics excellent retardancy. SEM XRD retained their original structures. For fabrics, stiffness increased slightly, tensile strength decreased a little, crease recovery greatly improved. No formaldehyde detected in treatment. Overall, simultaneously introducing groups provided an effective method to increase fabrics.