National Textile University

BSc. Textile Engineering Textile Chemistry

PROJECT SYNOPSIS

Title of the Project Clay Nanoparticles Flame Retardant Finishing

Name: Registration #

Adnan Latif 06-NTU-103

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ........................................................................................... 2 1.1. Background ...................................................................................... 2 1.2. Theory ................................................................................................ 3 1.3. Specific Objectives and Scope of the Project ...................... 14 2. Literature Review.............................................................................. 15 3. Experimental ...................................................................................... 23 3.1. Materials......................................................................................... 23 3.2. Equipment...................................................................................... 23 3.3. Methods .......................................................................................... 23
4. Refences24

1-Introduction: 1.1-Background:
Flame retardants are chemicals applied to fabrics to inhibit or suppress the combustion process. They interfere with combustion process at various stages of the process e.g. during heating, decomposition, ignition of flame spread. Fire is gas phase reaction. For a substance to burn, it must become a gas. As with any solid, a textile fabric exposed to a heat source experiences a temperature rise. If the temperature of the source is high enough and the net rate of heat transfer to the fabric is great, pyrolytic decomposition of the fibre substrate will occur. The products of this decomposition include combustible gases, non combustible gases and carbonaceous char. The combustible gases mix with the ambient air and its oxygen. The mixture ignites, yielding a flame, when its composition and temperature are favorable. Part of the heat generated within the flame is transferred to the fabric to sustain the burning process and part is lost to the surroundings.[1] Clay nanoparticle are resistant to heat,chemicals and electricity ,and have ability to block UV light.Incorporating clay nanoparticles into a textile can result in a fabric with improved tensile strength,tensile modulus,flexural strength and flexural modulus.Nanocomposites fibres which utilize clay nanoparticles can be engineered to be flame, UV light and anti-corrosive.[6]

Problem Producing flame resistant fabric has been an on-going challenge in the textile industry. If untreated, synthetic fibres melt and drip when exposed to high heat. Although there have been a number of flame retardant finishes available since 1970's the emission of toxic gasses when set ablaze make them somewhat hazardous. Clay nanoparticles applied to the textile, resist emission of toxic gas when exposed to high heat.

Most of the finishes are not durable and they are wash off easily or removed after few washes. Clay nanoparticles are difficult to disperse and difficult to bond covalently to textile substrate.

Significance Durability is most important factor, with number of washes material's flame retardancy should not effect in order to make long term use of material. Cost also increase if flame retardancy property lost with few number of washes. Research Question Is clay nanoparticle finishing is durable and cost effective?

1.2-Theory
Fire safety is a significant cause of property damage and of death. Standards are therefore set for electrical appliances, textiles upholstery and many other materials to minimize these losses. To meet fire safety standards, products made of synthetic materials are modified with flame retardant chemicals that inhibit the ignition and spread of flames. Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in providing effective flame retardants for normally flammable substrates. For example, there is great interest in the development of flame retardant finish on synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, polypropylene etc, without disturbing the desirable physical characteristics of the fibres. Textiles consist of highly ignitable materials and are the primary source of ignition. [1] They contribute to rapid fire spread; however, reduction of ignitability can be obtained by 1: Use of Inorganic materials {Asbestos, Glass etc} 2: Through chemical treatment with FR {Flame Retardant chemicals} 3: Through modification of the polymer.

1.2.1-Mechanism of Flame Retardance Imparting flame retardancy to cellulose is explained by the following theories.

1.2.1.1-Coating Theory As early as 1821, Gay-Lussac suggested that fire resistance was due to the formation of a layer of fusible material which melted and formed a coating there by excluding the air necessary for the propagation of the flame. This was based on the efficiency of some easily fusible salts as flame retardants. Carbonates, Borates, and ammonium salts are good examples of coating materials that produce foam on the fiber by the liberation of gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, ammonia, etc. [2] 1.2.1.2- Gas Theory The flame retardant produces non combustible gases at burning temperature which dilute the flammable gases produced by the decomposition of the cellulose to concentration below the flaming limit. [2] 1.2.1.3- Thermal Theory Heat input from a source is dissipated by an endothermic change in the retardant and the heat supplied from the source is conducted away from the fibers so rapidly that the fabric never reaches temperature of combustion. [2] 1.2.1.4-Chemical Theory Strong acids, bases, metal oxides and oxidants that tend to degrade cellulose, especially under the influence of heat, usually impart some degree of flame resistance to cellulose.

This is also true of the more efficient flame retardants, such as phosphoric and sulphuric acid, which are good dehydrating agents. When this happens cellulose on combustion produces mainly carbon and water rather than carbon dioxide and water. [2]

1.2.2-Types Of Flame Retardant Chemicals Flame retardant finishes present on specific textiles, based on the durability of flame resistance, are defined as non-durable, semi-durable, and durable with respect to a given condition. [3,4] 1.2.2.1- Non-Durable Non-durable flame retardants for celluloses are generally water-soluble inorganic salts that are easily removed by water, rain, or perspiration. They provide only temporary protection and therefore periodic reprocessing becomes necessary to maintain the flame retardant effect. [2,4,5] There are several groups of these materials. Boric Acid/Borax A mixture of boric acid/borax (sodium borate) is a commonly used nondurable flame retardant finish for cellulosic fibers. It is the safest with regard to carbon monoxide and smoke production during burning. Diammonium Phosphate and Phosphoric Acid Phosphorus based flame retardants function in the condensed phase. Nondurable, semi durable and durable treatments can be obtained with phosphorus based compounds. The presence of calcium ions negates the activity of phosphorous compounds. Whereas the ammonium salts decompose thermally into phosphoric acid by the loss of ammonia, the calcium salts do not. Presumably the calcium salts are not volatile and

buffer the acidity of phosphoric acid so the generation of char is diminished. Sulfamic Acid and Ammonium Sulfamate Combinations of these compounds also function as non-durable flame retardants. 1.2.2.2 Semi-durable flame retardants for cellulosic Semi durable fire retardants are those that resist removal by one and up to about 15 launderings. Most of the efforts to develop semi durable retardants has been for cotton and based on a combination of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds since it has been known over 30 years that this combination of elements produces efficient fire retardants. These materials are ammonium polyphosphate, and usually insoluble salts of amphoteric cations and anions-stannates, tungstates, aluminates, borates, and phosphates of Zn, Sn, Al and easily reducible metallic oxidesSn, Fe, Pb, Ti, Cr, Zr, Ce, Bi. [3,4] Phosphoric Amide Methods In the process phosphoryl chloride is reacted with ammonia to form a white soluble polymer containing 34% phosphorus and 34% nitrogen. A freshly prepared 20-25% solution of the polymer is applied to cotton using a pad-dry care technique to give an add on of 14%. The fire retardant on fabrics such as sheeting resists about 20 mild washing of 5 hot washes. This finish exhibits can exchange properties. This helps to account for its limited durability to laundering. The treated fabric has excellent antifungal properties but the finish is not durable to outside weathering.

Urea-Phosphated Method The process consisted of impregnating cotton fabric with an aqueous solution of about 60% total solids of urea and phosphoric acid drying and curing at 130-175oC. The amount of urea can be varied from one to four moles urea per mole of phosphoric acid. Curing conditions can be varied from five minutes at 175oC to one to two hours at 130oC. Above 175oC scorching occurs, below 130oC, no fire resistance. Strength losses of about 20% are normal, but greater losses resulted at higher temperatures. For an effective treatment, a minimum of 3% phosphorous is necessary, treated cotton fabric loses fire resistance as repeated alkaline washings, but retardancy can be restored by an acid treatment. Modification of the process replaces the phosphoric acid with ammonium salts. Treating solution is prepared by dissolving 300 lbs urea and 150lbs diammonium phosphate in water. After drying the impregnated fabric, it is cured at about 175oC for about seven minutes, washed and dried. This type of treatment provides efficient and moderately durable fire resistance. However, a major disadvantage is the serious loss in fabric strength.

Phosphorylation of Cellulose

Cellulose can be phosphorylated with phosphorus oxychloride in pyridne. Phosphorylation of cotton can be done by an inexpensive pad dry are procedure with neutral aqueous alkali metal phosphate or condensed phosphate salts. Cotton fabrics treated by this process retain most of their breaking and tearing strengths, have good non-solid qualities and rapid cotton exchange properties, Maximum fire retardant properties are

obtained by conversion of the cellulose phosphate ester to the ammonium salt form. Ammonized cotton retardant product is durable to neutral washing, but not alkaline. It, however, after the alkaline washing the cotton is treated with ammonium molybdate, a phosphonomalybdate complex is formed which is reasonably fast to washing.

1.2.2.3- Durable Flame retardants Durable fire retardants are those that resist removal by one and up to about 50 launderings. They include following classes. [3,4]

Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) Phosphonium Derivatives The bulk of today's durable flame retardant for cellulose centers around the use of derivatives of Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) - phosphonium salts (THP). These derivatives can be applied by padding, drying, curing and oxidizing to yield serviceable flame retardant fabrics. Add-ons are high and the handle of the fabric is stiffer so the finish is normally used for protective clothing applications. Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium Chloride (THPC) THPC is the most important commercial derivative and is prepared from phosphine, formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid at room temperature. It contains 11.5 % phosphorous and is applied by a pad-dry-cure -> oxidize -> scour process.

PH3 + 4CH2O +HCl (HOCH2)4P+Cl-

It is applied with urea, dried and cured. Control of pH and the oxidation state of the phosphorus is important in obtaining the flame retardant properties and durability of the finish. The release of HCl may cause the fabric to tender during curing unless pH is controlled. The final step in finishing requires oxidation of P+3 to P+5 with hydrogen peroxide. This step too must be controlled to prevent excessive tendering of the fabric. An alternative to the THPC is THPS. Sulfuric acid is used instead of HC1 and the corresponding phosphine Sulphate is formed in place of the phosphine chloride.

THPC-Urea Precondensate The Proban process (Albright and Wilson) replaces heat curing with an ammonia gas curing at ambient temperature. This minimizes fabric tendering associated with heat and acids. A Precondensate of THPC with urea (1: 1 mole ratio) is applied, dried and the fabric passed through an ammonia gas reactor. An exothermic reaction creates a polymeric structure within the voids of the cotton fiber. The THPC and urea are probably in a 2:1 molar ratio with a molar P:N ratio of 1:1.

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THPC-APO (tris (1-aziridinyl) phosphine oxide) THPC reacts rapidly with alkylenimines such as tris (1-aziridinyl) phosphine oxide (APO) or sulfide (APS) to yield a polymeric product by interaction with cellulose and cross-linking inside the fibers and with each other. This is a highly effective and durable flame retardant at relatively low add-ons. A high wrinkle recovery is also obtained as well as glow resistance and rot resistance. This highly promising process has been discontinued because of toxicity and suspected carcinogenicity of APO and its precursor, ethylene amine.

APO (tris (1-aziridinyl) phosphine oxide

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Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) Phosphonium Hydroxide (THPOH) Continuing efforts to eliminate chlorides from the THPC-amide treatments led to the development of THPOH treatment THPC or THPS (Sulphate) reacts with NaOH as follows: (HOCH2)4P+Cl- + NaOH (HOCH2)4P+OH(HOCH2)4P+OH- (HOCH2)3P + CH2O +H2O (HOCH2)3P + CH2O (HOCH2)2PCH2OCH2OH The product of these reactions appears to be an equilibrium mixture of THPOH and THP. The reaction has to be carried out within the pH range of 7.5-7.8. At a higher pH, the unreactive tris (hydroxymthyl) phosphine oxide (THPO) is formed. A durable flame retardant finish based on THPOH, TMM, and urea was developed and applied to cotton fabrics with a conventional procedure. The fabrics were only moderately stiff and had a lower tendency to yellow when exposed to hypochlorite bleach than the THPC-amide fabrics did.

Phosphonate treatments Pyrovatex CP Reaction of dialkylphosphite with acrylamide, lead to the formation of dialkylphosphonopropionamide, which interacts with formaldehyde to

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yield the methylol derivative. This material is marketed by Ciba-Geigy under the commercial name Pyrovatex CP and is applied together with TMM from a single bath by a pad-dry-cure acid-catalyzed procedure. TMM is added to increase the nitrogen content for the synergistic effect with the phosphorus. To afford high levels of phosphorus (2-3%) and accompanying flame retardancy, some fabric stiffening may occur. Furthermore, to prevent unacceptably high loss in strength from the phosphoric acid catalyst used to cure the finish, efficient neutralization by alkaline after treatment is essential.

Chemistry of Pyrovatex CP

1.3-Specifics Objectives and Scope of the Project

Application of clay nanoparticles should provide following benefits to cotton.

New Flame Retardant Approach. Increase Modulus and Tensile. FR without the emission of toxic gas. Block UV light. Make durable finishing.

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2. Literature Review
2.1-Recent Developments And Significant Researchers In Area Of Research Franois Minec & P. Lambert of Atofina presented developments in TV fire safety specifications. The authors presented a new halogen-free V1 flame resistant polystyrene system for TV casings, capable of achieving fire resistance comparable to V0, and useable in manufacturers existing polystyrene (HIPS) processing equipment.[7] Thomas Futterer, Chemist Fabrik Budenheim Germany, presented recent flame retardancy solutions for PP (polypropylene) based on ammonium phosphates (specially treated to improve thermal stability, facilitating processing of plastics containing the product) and for PBT, PET (polyamides and thermoplastic polyesters) used particularly in automotive parts, based on melamine polyphosphate. These flame retardants act by accentuating charring of the plastic surface in contact with a flame, enabling the material to be self-extinguishing (ignition resistant) and also reducing smoke emissions. [7] 2004, Joe Andrews of Great Lakes Chemical discussed emerging needs for fire safety treatments in different areas. Manufacturers wish to achieve fire safety using existing epoxy resins (avoid production equipment change costs). A reactive non-halogen flame retardant solution was presented. For flexible PUR foams for car seats, fogging and halogenated organic compound releases to air are identified as emerging issues. A phosphorus based additive flame retardant offering significantly lower releases to air than currently widely used compounds was presented. [7]

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Rudi Borms, Dead Sea Bromine Group, presented developments in reactive brominated flame retardants for fire safety treatment of soft and rigid foams (PUR = polyurethane) for furniture, building and other applications. These molecules react with the foam polymer molecules themselves, thus being fixed into the foam matrix. Tests show zero leaching of the flame retardant out of the treated foam, even with strong chemical solvents. The most recent developments in such reactive molecules enable fire safety to be achieved whilst offering good material quality (foam flexibility, durability), without scorching in application. [7] Reiner Saurwein, Nabeltec GmbH, presented recent developments in mineral flame retardants, showing both the importance of quality/characteristics of aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and the potential of flame retardancy synergies with other minerals such as boehmite (aluminum oxide hydrate) and zinc borate. New ATH products without organic post-treatment but with good powder properties enable good product handling and improved treated polymer viscosity, rheology and extrudability to be achieved. Boehmite has proven an effective synergist for ATH in certain polymer (e.g. vinyl acetate free polyolefins), enabling mineral loadings to be reduced and polymer properties to be improved. [7] Frdric Jouffret and G Meli, Luzenac. Europe, explained the flame retardant properties of the natural mineral, talc. 500,000 tones/year of mined talc are used worldwide to reinforce thermoplastics (improving mechanical properties, reducing shrinkage ). Talc also acts synergistically with other flame retardants (e.g. magnesium hydroxide) by a mass transfer barrier effect, causing the flame to propagate sideways and thus not to penetrate the material. Talcs can also reduce dripping in tumescent flame

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retardant systems by developing nucleation centers in the charring mass. [7] Sebastian Harld, Clariant GmbH, presented a new generation of flame retardants for polyamide polymers (PA66) based on phosphinates. These compounds enabled UL94-V0 classification to be achieved in glass fibre reinforced polyamides at relatively low flame retardant addition levels (1518% by weight) with good mechanical properties, including electrical non conductivity, being maintained, compatible with injection moulding for demanding applications in the electrical and electronics industries. Norberto Gatti and S. Constanzi, Italmach Chemicals Italy, presented developments in red phosphorus (P-red) flame retardant technologies. Red P is a recognized highly effective flame retardant used in a variety of polymers, which is believed to act by extracting water and oxygen from the polymer and catalyzing char formation through phosphoric acid generation. Newly available grades of red-P enable fire safety treatment of polyolefin to V2 classification with low loading levels, or V0 classification in synergy with other flame retardants. They allow glass reinforced nylons to achieve V0 (0.8mm thickness) without affecting mechanical and electrical properties. Alexander Morgan, Dow Chemicals, also discussed the use of nano particles of clay as a flame retardant additive to plastics, considering both natural and synthetic clays, and also organically treated clays. These authors again indicated that Nano clay addition could reduce peak heat release, but accelerate the reaching of the peak. The organo-clays offered somewhat better flame retardancy properties than either natural or synthetic untreated clays, but in no case were able to alone achieve UL94V0 fire safety. The mechanism of fire retardancy of the nano clays is

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hypothesized as resulting from synergistic accentuation of base polymer charring. [7] Birgit Ostman, Trite Sweden, presented ongoing developments in knowhow concerning flame retardancy for wood and timber. Ordinary untreated wood will generally achieve Euro Class D for reaction to fire performance. 2.1.1-Flame Retardant Behaviour of PolyelectrolyteClay Thin Film Assemblies on Cotton Fabric Cotton fabric was treated with flame-retardant coatings composed of branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) and sodium montmorillonite (MMT) clay, prepared via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. Four coating recipes were created by exposing fabric to aqueous solutions of BPEI (pH 7 or 10) and MMT (0.2 or 1 wt %). BPEI pH 10 produces the thickest films, while 1 wt % MMT gives the highest clay loading. Each coating recipe was evaluated at 5 and 20 bilayers. Thermo gravimetric analysis showed that coated fabrics left as much as 13% char after heating to 500 C, nearly 2 orders of magnitude more than uncoated fabric, with less than 4 wt % coming from the coating itself. These coatings also reduced afterglow time in vertical flame tests. Postburn residues of coated fabrics were examined with SEM and revealed that the weave structure and fiber shape in all coated fabrics were preserved. The BPEI pH 7/1 wt % MMT recipe was most effective. Microcombustion calorimeter testing showed that all coated fabrics reduced the total heat release and heat release capacity of the fabric. Fiber count and strength of uncoated and coated fabric are similar. These results demonstrate that LbL assembly is a relatively simple method for imparting flame-retardant behavior to cotton fabric. This work lays the foundation for using these types of thin film assemblies to make a variety of complex substrates (foam, fabrics, etc.) flame resistant.[8]

Cotton is one of the most important natural textile fibers used to produce apparel, home furnishings, and industrial products, but this cellulosic material has a low limiting oxygen index (LOI) and combustion temperature (360425 C) that makes it highly flammable. Cotton textiles

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burn rapidly once ignited, and the flame spreads quickly, potentially causing fatal burns within 15 s of ignition.Various methods have been used to modify the combustion characteristics of textiles, including cotton. Halogenated and boron-containing additives are widely used to exclude oxygen by generating large volumes of nonflammable gases and forming a glass coating during thermal decomposition. Despite their effectiveness, the halogenated flame retardants have been reported to form toxins that can be harmful to humans and the environment. Boron-containing flame retardants are limited by their lack of durability, which restricts them to nonaqueous washing.Durable phosphorus-based treatments are currently the most successful, commercially useful flame retardants. These coatings are able to withstand repeated wash cycles, reduce volatile fuel, lower pyrolysis temperature, increase carbonaceous char, and decrease afterglow.Cross-linking has been used to improve phosphorus durability, but this adversely affects mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, and can create undesirable stiffness.Recently, it was reported that the presence of montmorillonite (MMT) clay mixed into polymeric materials can reduce flammability and increase heat resistance at very low loadings (25 wt %).Nylon, polypropylene, and polylactide have been hybridized with clay to produce nanocomposite textile fabrics, and their fire performance is improved compared to the virgin polymeric fibers.Some of the flame-retardant nanocomposite coatings applied onto cotton fabrics include polyurethane (PU)/MMT and PU/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS),as well as carbon nanotubes.Although these PU coatings show reduced heat release, they involve a complex two-stage synthesis. As for the carbon nanotubes, although they improve flame retardancy and other functionalities, high cost and the resulting opaqueness (blackness) will likely limit their prospects for commercialization.[8] It has been proposed that the combustion process in polymer/clay systems involves a protective charred ceramic surface layer that is created during polymer ablation. Such a layer is presumably formed by the reassembly of the finely dispersed clay, which results in 70 to 80% reduction in heat release for nanocomposites made at low clay loadings (typically 2 to 5 wt %).

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Recent studies on a variety of LbL films highlight a diverse and useful set of properties that include antimicrobial,antireflection,and electrochromic, as well as potential applications ranging from drug delivery,to oxygen barrier, to sensors.In many cases it is the presence of nanoparticles within the film, such as clay,which imparts the desired property.[8] The use of sodium montmorillonite (MMT) clay in LbL thin films has been well-studied.An individual MMT clay platelet (approximately one nanometer thick) is composed of two tetrahedral Si4+ layers intercalated by an octahedral Al3+ or Mg2+ layer in between. It has swelling and ion exchange properties, allowing for exfoliation of the platelet and for its surface to become negatively charged when immersed in water.It is these negatively charged surfaces that allow MMT platelets to be incorporated into LbL assemblies when paired with a positively charged ingredient. Previous work has shown that Laponite synthetic clay, can impart some modest flame-retardance to cotton fabrics via LbL assembly. In the present work, MMT was deposited with branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) to generate nanocomposite assemblies on cotton fibers. The thickness and weight composition of these films was tailored by changing the pH of the polymer solution and the concentration of the clay mixture. Four different BPEI-MMT formulations were applied to cotton fabric and the flameretardant properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vertical flame testing, and microcombustion calorimetry. Additionally, the mechanical properties and water-wicking ability of the coated fabrics were also examined. High assembly pH and clay concentration resulted in fabric with the best flame resistance. Five BL of pH 10 BPEI and MMT (0.1 and 1 wt % in water) added 2 wt % to the cotton fabric, which maintained 11% of its weight at 500 C and a significant level of fiber and fabric weave structure was maintained following vertical burn. This study represents the first in-depth study of an LbL-based flame retardant. The use of MMT is a dramatic improvement over the much smaller Laponite, which was used in the only other mention of layer-by-layer assembly for imparting flame resistance to fabric. A framework is provided for improving the antiflammability of cotton (and other flammable materials such as foam insulation) that could result in significant savings of both life and property.[8]

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2.1.2-Application of Nanotechnology in Textiles

Nanotechnology is an emerging interdisciplinary technology that has been booming in many areas in the recent times. Its profound societal impact has been considered as a huge momentum to usher in a second industrial revolution. The nano in Nanotechnology comes from the Greek word nanos that means dwarf. Scientists use the prefix to indicate one-billionth. One Nanometer is one-billionth meter that is about 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of a single human hair. .[9] 2.1.2.1-Nanotechnology in Manufacturing Composite Fibres Nano structured composite fibres are seen in areas where we see an early blooming of Nanotechnology. Other applications are still to come up in the near future. The composite fibres employ nanosize which filters particles such as nanoparticles (clay, metal oxides, Carbon Black), Graphite Nanofilters (GNF) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT). Besides, Nano-structured, composite fibres can be generated through foam forming process, instead of using nanosize filters. The main function of nanosize filter is to increase the mechanical strength and physical properties such as conductivity and antistatic behaviour. Due to their large surface area, the nanofilters have a better interaction with polymer matrices, nanoparticles can carry the load and increase the toughness and abrasion resistance, nanofibres can transfer stress, away from the polymer matrices and enhance tensile strength of composite fibres. Additional physical and chemical performances imparted to composite fibres vary with specific properties of the nanofilters used. Carbon nanofibres and carbon black nanoparticles are among the most commonly used nanosize filling materials. Carbon nanofibres can effectively increase the tensile strength of a composite fibre due to its high aspect ration, while carbon black nanoparticles can improve their abration and toughness. .[9] 2.1.2.2-Clay Nanoparticles - Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Clay nanoparticles or nanoflakes are composed of several types of hydrous almuminosilicates. Clay nanoparticles posses electrical heat and chemical resistance and has an ability of blocking UV radiation. Therefore, composite fibres when reinforced with clay nanoparticles exhibit flame retardant , anti UV and anti corrosive behavior. .[9]
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2.1.2.3-Nanotechnology in Textile Finishing The impact of nanotechnology in the textile finishing area has brought up innovative finishings as well as new application technique. It is now more controllable and more through. Nanotechnology has an impact in making upgraded chemical finishes. One of the trends in synthesis process is to pursue a nano scale emulsification, through which finishes can be applied to textile material in a more thorough and precise manner. These advanced finishes set up an unprecedented level of performances of stain resistant, hydrophilic, antistatic, wrinkle resistant and shrinkage proof abilities.[9] Nanoparticles such as metal oxides and ceramics are also used in textile finishing to alter surface properties and impart textile functions. Nanosize particles have a larger surface area and have higher efficiency than larger size of particles. Besides, nanosize particles are transparent , and do not blur colour and brightness of the textile substrates. For example, the fabric treated with TiO2 and MgO replaces fabric with active carbon previously used as chemical and biological protective materials. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and MgO nanoparticles can break harmful and toxic chemicals and biological agents. The nanoparticles can be preengineered to adhere to textile substrates by using spray,coating or electrostatic methods. Finishing with nanoparticles can convert exerted mechanical forces into electrical signals enabling the monitoring of bodily functions such as heart rhythm and pulse if they are worn next to skin. Nano-tex improves the water replent property of fabric by creating nanowhiskers, which are hydrocarbons and 1/1000 of the size of a typical cotton fibre, that are added to create peach fuzz effect without lowering the strength of cotton. The spaces between the whiskers on the fabric are smaller than the little drop of water, but still larger than the water molecules; water thus remains on the top of the whiskers and above the surface of the fabric. Apart from Nano-tex, nanoshere impregnation involves three diamentional surface structure with gel-forming additives which repel water and dirt particle from attaching themselves. Nanotechnology has a vast scope in recent period and its applications in textiles are booming. These treatments when come in contact with the textile substrates permanently alter properties of the textiles and claim to exhibit superior durability , softness, tear strength, abrasion resistance and capablity of providing durable press garments.[9]

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3. Experimental 3.1-Materials The fabric used in this study: a desized, scoured, and bleached cotton fabric. 3.2-Equipment Padder Curing machine 3.3-Methods The fabric was first immersed in a finish solution containing clay nanoparticles, different kind of bonding agents, such as BTCA, DMDHEU, TMM, or mixture of DMDHEU and TMM, and a catalyst, then passed through a laboratory padder with two dips and two nips, dried at 90C for 3 min, and finally cured in a curing oven at a specified temperature. The wet pick-up of the plain cotton fabric was approximately 1053%, and the wet pick-up of the twill cotton fabric was approximately 803%. After curing, the treated cotton fabric was subjected to different number of home laundering cycles with the use of AATCC Standard Detergent 1993. The home laundering procedure was done according to AATCC Test Method 124-1996 (Appearance of Fabrics After Repeated Home Laundering). The water temperature for laundering wasapproximately 46C. Fabric Performance Evaluation The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the cotton fabric measured according to ASTM Standard Method D2863-00. The vertical flammability of the cotton fabric measured according to ASTM Standard Method D 6413-99.

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4-References 1-http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/5/429/flame-retardantfinishes1.asp(2/07/2010). 2- Flame Resistant textiles, By R Weeves. 3- W. D. Schindler and P.J. Hauser, Chemical Finishing of Textile. 4-J. Hall, Textile Finishing 5-Textile finishing, Edited by Derek Heywood and Flame Retardant Material by Horrock and D Price 6-http://www.techexchange.com/thelibrary/nanotechnology.html 7- O Wyld, BP 551 (1735). 8-http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/campaign/acs/full/10.1021/nn100467e 9-www.avensa.in/Journal/Chemunique/Chemunique_2010.pdf

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