Synthesis and application of a sulfur‐containing phosphoric amide flame retardant for nylon fabric

A sulfur‐containing flame retardant (SFR) was synthesized from polyphosphoric acid, epoxy chloropropane, and thiourea. Using a water‐soluble isocyanate‐terminated (WIT) cross‐linker, the flame retardant was applied as a flame‐retardant finishing on nylon fabric. WIT is a compound that not only cross‐links SFR and nylon cellulose but also contains no formaldehyde. Comparisons of the main performances of SFR with those of N‐methyloldimethylphosphonopropionamide (known as ‘Pyrovatex CP’) and a bicyclic phosphonite (known as ‘Antiblaze 19T’) indicate that the presence of sulfur in SFR plays a crucial role in decreasing the flammability of the nylon fabric. The limiting oxygen index value and damaged carbon length of the finished nylon fabric were 29.4% and 5.7 cm, respectively, when the concentrations of SFR and WIT were 200 and 40 g/L, respectively, and the baking temperature and time were 150 °C and 3 min, respectively. After 10 laundry cycles, the fabric still retains some flame retardancy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.