Eco-friendly and bio-based approaches for flame-retardant functionalization of textile materials: a review

ABSTRACT

The use of natural and synthetic textile materials in various industries is significant, but their flammability poses a risk in case of fire accidents. These textile materials contain a significant amount of carbon and hydrogen in their structure, which can act as fuel for combustion. As a result, these textile materials can be hazardous in the event of a fire accident. Therefore, the application of fire-retardant treatments to textile materials has great importance to mitigate fire risks. Despite the availability of numerous effective flame retardants for textile applications, there is a need to develop new environmentally friendly flame-retardant agents and treatments that are both effective and environmentally friendly. The application of flame-retardant compounds is evolving globally, considering modifications to textile surfaces and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Thus, this review focuses on the functionalization of textile materials with bio-based and eco-friendly flame retardants and reviews recent studies on the use of compounds such as phytic acid, lignin, eggshell, gelatin, chitosan, nanosized/nanomaterial, and phosphorus-containing flame retardants on natural and synthetic textiles. The review highlights bio-based and eco-friendly approaches and improvement of flame-retardant efficiency of textiles through synergistic interaction of phosphorus with other environmentally acceptable elements like nitrogen and silicon.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Eco-friendly
• flame retardancy
• limited-oxygen-index
• textile finishing
• textile material

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have no funding to report.

Notes on contributors

Tekalgn Mamay Daget

Tekalgn Mamay Daget, is a dedicated researcher and lecturer at Bahir Dar University’s Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology. With a strong academic background, he combines his expertise with a passion for educating future professionals in textile-related careers. He has significantly contributed to the field through his three publications in an indexed journal, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge. He is also actively engaged in community service and technology transfer activities, enhancing the institute’s reputation as a center of excellence. His dedication and scholarly achievements inspire students and colleagues alike.

Bantamlak Birlie Kassie

Bantamlak Birlie Kassie, is a lecturer and researcher at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology. His current research focuses on textile material functionalization, and cellulose-based nanomaterial synthesis, including nanocellulose, natural fiber characterization, and biopolymer synthesis, all within the realm of textile and material science. He has contributed significantly to academia with publications in esteemed international journals.

Molla Tadesse Abate

Dr. Molla Tadesse Abate ABATE, is an assistant professor at the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. His research focuses on Textile Chemistry, specifically Textile dyeing, and Functionalization using resource-efficient and eco-friendly innovative technologies. His current research is on the integration of supercritical CO2 impregnation technique and appropriate bio-based functional materials for dyeing and functionalizing textiles.

Meseret Fantahun Teshome

Meseret Fantahun Teshome, is a devoted researcher and lecturer at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, within the Department of Textile Chemical Processing Engineering. With a solid academic basis, she brings her expertise and passion to educating future professionals in textile chemical processing. Meseret has significantly contributed to the field through her research and educational efforts, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge. Her dedication and scholarly accomplishments serve as an inspiration to both students and colleagues.

Mekides Mastewal Arega

Mekides Mastewal Arega, is a committed researcher and lecturer at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, specifically in the Department of Textile Chemical Processing Engineering. With a robust academic background, she combines her expertise with a fervor for teaching future professionals in textile chemical processing. Mekides has made significant contributions to the field through her research and academic work, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge. Her commitment and scholarly achievements inspire both students and colleagues.

Desalegn Atalie

Desalegn Atalie is a lecturer and researcher at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology. He is a Ph.D. Candidate at Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science. His current research focuses on Functional materials, Separation & Purification, E-textiles, and polymer nanocomposites. He has contributed significantly to academia with publications in esteemed international journals.