21—THE HYDROLYSIS OF FLUOROZIRCONATE ON WOOL

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Abstract
An investigation is reported in which the extensive loss of fluoride on the laundering of fluorozirconate-treated wool is confirmed by using a pyrohydrolysis-analysis method. Fluoride is not necessary for adequate flame-retardance, but, at low fluoride levels (i.e., F/Zr ratio less than 2), the formation of a complex between zirconium and the carboxyl groups of wool is necessary. The burning behaviour of an esterified fluorozirconate-treated sample is adversely affected as fluoride is lost because a carboxyl complex cannot be formed. Zirconium dioxide itself is ineffective as a flame-retardant for wool.