Investigation of the flammability properties of a cotton and elastane blend denim fabric in the presence of boric acid, borax, and nano-SiO₂

Abstract

This study contributes to the field of flammable resistant textiles. Boric acid, borax, and nano SiO₂ were added to a commercial finishing solution, separate solutions were prepared for each. The difference in this study is to improve the functional finishing processes of denim fabrics consisting of 99% cotton and 1% elastane. The aim is to draw attention to the flame-retardant performance improvements that can be created by a synergistic mechanism for textiles. Using TGA, LOI and vertical combustion tests for determining flame retardant effect were sufficient to achieve meaningful and precise results. Each chemical added to increase the flammability performance effect of the commercial finish solution entered the fabric surface structure, and the flammability performance of the commercial finish solution was improved by a simple and feasible method. Denim fabric can be made suitable for industrial textiles by flame retardant finishing process.

Keywords:

• Denim fabric
• boric acid
• flame retardant
• combustion tests

Acknowledgements

We thank Trakya University TUBAP-2017/219 for financial support. We (Assist prof.Dr. Nilgün Becenen and Gökhan Eyi) confirm that ‘Trakya University’ only provided financial support within the scope of the project for chemicals and tests appliedand we declare that the support received did not lead to any conflict of interests regarding the publication of this manuscript. There is no need for Trakya University’s confirmation to publish this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.