Epoxidized soybean oil-based waterborne polyurethane coated polyethylene terephthalate fabrics with high flame-retardant, self-healing and wash-resistant properties

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) is a commonly used surface finishing agent for the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics in various applications, including textiles, building interiors and vehicle interiors. However, the WPU coated PET fabrics are highly flammable. Effectively suppressing melt dripping during combustion remains a challenge, and there is a considerable demand for the self-healing property of the WPU coating in practical applications. Herein, we report flame-retardant and self-healing WPU (FRWPU/DMG) coated PET fabrics. The FRWPU/DMG are prepared by incorporating an epoxidized soybean oil-based phosphorus−containing polyol (ESO − DOPO) and a dimethylglyoxime (DMG) in the backbone. The resultant FRWPU/DMG coated PET fabrics can self-extinguish within 2 s after ignition in the vertical flame test. Throughout the whole test, there are no molten droplets and the damage length is only 7.6 cm. After being subjected to sandpaper abrasion, the FRWPU/DMG coated PET fabrics can self-heal within 24 h. Moreover, the FRWPU/DMG coating enhances the tensile strength of the PET fabric in both warp and weft directions, and demonstrates a certain wash resistance. This work provides insights into the design and preparation strategies for flame-retardant and self-healing PET fabrics.