Flame retardant synthetic fabrics by low pressure plasma technology

Abstract

This article focuses on the development of a flame retardant coating for synthetic knitted fabrics using the low-pressure plasma technology. Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS)was used to enhance the flame retardant property of the polyester knitted fabrics. The treated fabrics also exhibited hydrophobic properties. The role of oxygen flow rate on flame retardancy and hydrophobicity was investigated by varying the oxygen flow rate from 0sccm to 100sccm. Degree of flammability was determined by the ignition status and flame spread time if ignited. It has been found that at least an oxygen flow rate of 60 sccm was required to stop the ignition of fabrics after exposure time of 5 seconds to the flame. The elemental analysis confirmed the presence of silicon groups on the surface. Durability of coating was determined by subjecting the samples to multiple cycles of washing. It is envisaged that this work on plasma enabled hydrophobicity and flame retardancy will open up new avenues to achieve functional properties on synthetics fabrics.