Self-assembly of phosphonate-metal complex for superhydrophobic and durable flame-retardant polyester–cotton fabrics

Abstract Poor washing durability still poses a big challenge to the practical applications of flame-retardant fabrics. Herein, a facile and eco-friendly dip-coating approach is proposed to fabricate durable flame-retardant and superhydrophobic polyester–cotton (PTCO) fabrics. Self-assembled depositions of diethylenetriamine penta(methylene-phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) and ferric ion (Fe 3+ ) were applied on PTCO fabrics through coordination interaction. Owing to the intumescent effect of DTPMP–Fe 3+ complexes, DTPMP–Fe 3+ -coated fabric self-extinguished in the horizontal flame testing. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was then applied on DTPMP–Fe 3+ complexes to impart the flame-retardant PTCO fabrics with superhydrophobicity (water contact angle: 155.6°) and self-cleaning properties. Especially, the washing durability of DTPMP–Fe 3+ -coated PTCO fabrics was improved by the modification of PDMS. The DT/Fe-8BL@PDMS sample still achieved self-extinguishing in the horizontal flame testing even after 12 laundering cycles. Graphic abstract Flame-retardant and superhydrophobic polyester–cotton fabrics are fabricated through the deposition of DTPMP–Fe 3+ complexes and further modification of PDMS.