| 摘要 |
Methods of rendering cellulosic materials fire retardant, and articles of manufacture including the materials, are disclosed. The methods involve applying a flame retardant composition to the material. In one embodiment, the composition includes a carboxylic acid-containing compound in the substantial absence of a phosphorous-based esterification catalyst or a basic, (i.e., metal alkoxide) catalyst. The material is heated to esterify at least a portion of the hydroxy groups. In another embodiment, the compositions include an amino acid, protein and/or peptide and optionally include one or more crosslinking and/or coupling agents. Enzymes are a preferred protein. The methods involve applying the composition to the material, and optionally involve covalently linking the amino acid, protein and/or peptide to the material, either directly or via a crosslinking agent. In a third embodiment, the compositions include one or more crosslinking agents, and, optionally, one or more phosphorus-based compounds. Dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea, imidazole, imidazolidinones, dialdehydes, and dichlorotriazines are preferred crosslinking agents. The methods involve applying the composition to the material, and covalently linking the crosslinking agent to the material. An advantage of covalently linking the crosslinking agent to the cellulosic material is the lack of any potential toxicity associated with uncrosslinked fire retardants on the cellulosic material and the stability of the bonds between the material and the crosslinking agent to conventional steam cleaning and other carpet cleaning methods. In a preferred embodiment, the fire-retardant cotton-fiber composition is used to prepare cotton carpets or raised surface and lightweight apparel.
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