Post-polymerization functionalization to a novel phosphorus- and nitrogen-containing polyether coating for flame retardant treatment of PET fabric

Concerns about the rising trend of stringent fire safety regulations and demands for reduction in the fire hazard call for a careful evaluation of the environmental impact of flame retardant materials choices. With the worldwide bans and restrictions in the use of traditional halogen-based fire retardant systems, phosphorus/nitrogen synergistic flame retardants became evident. We report here a novel phosphorus- and nitrogen-containing polyether (PN-PEO) prepared by post-polymerization functionalization. The resultant polyethers (PN-PEO) were subsequently coated onto the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics by a simple solution-dipping method to exploit a highly efficient fire retardant. It was found that the loadings of 17.8% PN-PEO had a strong barrier effect in the char layer of the PN-POE-coated PET fabrics after exposed to the torch flame, and resulted in complete suppression of PET fabrics ignition on radiant heat exposure. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47299.