Thermal Stability of the THPOH-NH3 Flame Retardant on Cotton

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Abstract
The thermal degradation of the ammonia-cured, neutralized, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride finish (called THPOH-NH3) on cotton was investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in nitrogen showed a two- stage weight loss on heating, a small loss at about 240°C, and a large loss at about 300°C that was associated with cellulose pyrolysis. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis indicated that the small weight loss resulted from loss of a trivalent phosphorus-containing moiety. Oxidation by air or hydrogen peroxide eliminated the TGA weight loss in nitrogen at 240°C, apparently by conversion of the trivalent phosphorus structure to a stable pentavalent phosphorus- containing material. Differential scanning calorimetry examination of the THPOH-NH,-treated materials confirmed the TGA findings.