Flame resistant fabrics and process for making

摘要

A process for imparting flame resistance and the flame resistant fabrics produced by such process are provided. The process for imparting flame resistant properties involves treating a target fabric with one or more flame retardant chemicals (and, preferably, a softening agent) and then curing the treated fabric to durably affix the flame retardant to the fabric. In many cases, it may be desirable to subject the treated fabric to mechanical face finishing to increase softness. Optionally, stain release agents, soil repellent agents, permanent press resins, and the like may be added to the bath of flame retardant chemicals, eliminating the need for one or more additional manufacturing processes. Alternately, soil repellent agents may be applied to only one side of the treated fabric after the application of the flame retardant chemicals. The present fabrics exhibit improved performance and tear strength, even after repeated launderings, as compared to conventionally treated fabrics.

主权项

1. A fabric comprising:
(a) a fabric substrate comprising cellulosic fibers; (b) a phosphorous-containing compound, the phosphorous-containing compound being produced by:
(i) applying a reaction mixture to the fabric substrate, the reaction mixture comprising urea and a tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium compound selected from the group consisting of tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium salts and tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium condensates, wherein, when the tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium compound is a tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium salt, the initial ratio of tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium compound to urea in the reaction mixture is about 0.75:2 to about 0.75:4;(ii) heating the fabric substrate to a temperature sufficient for the urea and tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium compound to react to form an intermediate; and(iii) oxidizing the intermediate formed in step (ii) to produce the phosphorous-containing compound; and (c) a softening agent.