A Review of Flame Retardant Textiles
Flame retardant textiles are materials that contain additives that reduce the rate of combustion and limit the spread of fire. These additives can be either chemical or physical in nature. The use of flame retardant textiles is becoming increasingly important as the number of building fires and wildfires increases due to climate change and human activity. However, there are concerns about the safety and environmental impact of these products.One concern is that flame retardant chemicals may leach into the environment and contaminate water sources. Some flame retardants have been found to have negative health effects when ingested or inhaled. Additionally, some flame retardant chemicals have been banned in certain countries due to their potential toxicity.Another concern is that using flame retardant textiles can increase the cost of construction and clothing. There are also concerns about whether using flame retardant textiles actually improves safety, as studies have suggested that they may not always prevent fires from spreading or cause them to die out faster.Overall, while flame retardant textiles have their benefits, it is important to consider the potential risks and limitations before incorporating them into our daily lives. Further research is needed to develop safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional flame retardants.
Introduction
Flame retardant textiles are materials that possess the ability to reduce the spread and intensity of fire. They play a vital role in protecting people, property, and the environment from the devastating effects of fire. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of flame retardant textiles, including their development, classification, properties, application, and future prospects.
1、Development of Flame Retardant Textiles
The concept of flame retardant textiles dates back to ancient times when people used herbs and other natural substances to prevent fires. In the late 19th century, the first synthetic flame retardants were developed, such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and polycyanoethylene (PCE). These chemicals were widely used in various applications, including packaging, upholstery, and clothing.
However, the environmental impacts of these chemicals became increasingly apparent in the late 20th century due to their bioaccumulation, toxic effects on wildlife, and potential for release into the atmosphere through smoke and dust. As a result, there has been a growing demand for alternative flame retardant technologies that are more environmentally friendly and safer for human health.
2、Classification of Flame Retardant Textiles
Flame retardant textiles can be classified based on their chemical structure, mechanism of action, and performance characteristics. The main types of flame retardants used in textiles include:
- Chemosynthetic flame retardants: These are synthetic chemicals that undergo combustion reactions to form new compounds with high flame retardancy. Examples include polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDF), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBE).
- Physical flame retardants: These are materials that absorb or block certain wavelengths of radiant energy during combustion, reducing the heat output and the rate of fire spread. Examples include wool fiber treated with metal salts like potassium iodide or silver chloride, and carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) coated with flame retardant coatings.
- Natural flame retardants: These are materials derived from natural sources that have inherent flame retardancy properties. Examples include plant extracts like chrysanthemum, lavender, and eucalyptus oils, and mineral fibers like bamboo and cottonseed oil.
3、Properties of Flame Retardant Textiles
The properties of flame retardant textiles depend on their type and composition. In general, they should exhibit good thermal stability, low volatility, low toxicity, and easy processing. Some key properties of flame retardant textiles include:
- Thermal stability: Flame retardant textiles should maintain their flame retardant properties over extended periods of exposure to heat and flames.
- Volatility: Flame retardant textiles should not release toxic chemicals into the air during normal wear and washing.
- Toxicity: Flame retardant textiles should have low levels of harmful chemicals that can accumulate in tissues and organs over time.
- Processing: Flame retardant textiles should be easily processed using conventional techniques without compromising their structural integrity or fire retardancy.
4、Application of Flame Retardant Textiles
Flame retardant textiles have numerous applications in various industries such as construction, transportation, aerospace, and defense. Some common uses include:
- Building materials: Flame retardant fabrics can be used in insulation, roofing panels, wall partitions, and floor coverings to prevent fires from spreading inside buildings.
- Fireproof clothing: Flame retardant garments can protect workers against burns and smoke inhalation during industrial accidents and emergencies.
- Transportation safety: Flame retardant mats and carpets can be installed in cargo areas of planes and ships to reduce the risk of fire damage.
- Aerospace: Flame retardant fabrics can be used in spacecraft insulation, parachute covers, and spacesuit linings to enhance safety and durability.
- Defense: Flame retardant textiles can be developed for use in military uniforms, helmets, boots, and blankets to improve survival chances in battle situations.
5、Future Prospects of Flame Retardant Textiles
The demand for flame retardant textiles is expected to grow due to the increasing awareness of fire safety and environmental issues. However, challenges such as cost, compatibility with existing products, and regulatory compliance need to be addressed to facilitate their widespread adoption. Some promising research areas include:
- Development of more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical flame retardants by utilizing natural materials or renewable energy sources.
- Exploration of new processing methods that can enhance the fire resistance and durability of flame retardant textiles while minimizing their negative impact on the environment.
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