OXIDATION OF THPOH-NH [tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium hydroxi ammonia] FLAME RETARDANT COTTON FABRICS TO INCREASE RESISTANCE TO WEATHER-OMETER EXPOSURE AND OUTDOOR LINE DRYING

In previous research, flame retardant finishes were found to be deteriorated by sunlight during line drying and the soluble degradation products removed during subsequent laundering. However, oxidation in creased the durability of the finish. In this study, cotton fabrics treated with THPOH-NH3 were oxidized and then exposed to UV in the Weather- Ometer or during line drying after laundering. Vertical flame tests and changes in content of phosphorus and nitrogen were used to evaluate the treated fabrics. The effects of time, temperature, and type and concentra tion of reagent were assessed. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate treatments improved resistance to UV, but sodium hypochlorite was in effective.