Multifunctional Cotton Fabrics Obtained by Modification with Silanes Containing Esters of Phosphoric Acid as Substituents

The development of novel flame retardants for cotton textiles that form a stable layer on textile fiber is of high economical and practical relevance. A novel flame retardant fluorinated phosphoric acid esters modified silicone resins for cotton modification were synthesized. The investigated phosphoric acid esters based compounds were substituted by a fluorinated chain or ring, and alkoxysilyl groups. The presence of alkoxysilyl groups allowed the formation of bonds with cellulose, while derivatives of phosphoric esters reduced the flammability of fabrics. Additionally, the presence of fluoride in their structures affected the hydrophobic properties. Cotton fabrics were modified in a simple one-step process by dip-coating method. The flame retardant properties of modified textiles were examined by performing microcalorimetric analysis, thermogravimetry analysis, and measuring oxygen index. The hydrophobicity was evaluated by measuring the water contact angle. The modified fabrics were characterized by SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) analysis and surface morphology. As a result of the tests, multifunctional fabrics were obtained.