Flame retardant coating of textile fabrics based on ionic liquids with self-extinguishing, high thermal stability and mechanical properties

This research focuses on the preparation of several coating pastes using polyacrylate PA, polyurethane PU and Latex mixed with different ionic liquids, namely [Py, PF₆] and [A, PF₆]. These prepared pastes were applied to one side of a cotton/polyester blend fabric, by knife coating to improve their flame resistance and water repellency. The morphology of pristine fabric and fabric coated with ionic liquids was studied by scanning electron microscope. The mechanical resistance according to NF EN ISO 13934-1:2013 standard shows that the functionalization of fabrics by [A, PF6] and [Py, PF6] using the knife coating method does not affect the mechanical resistance of the fabrics elaborated. The vertical burning test according to ISO 6940:2004 (F) shows that fabrics treated with polymers + ionic liquids do not burn even increasing the flame time to 20 s with a residue of 98% for PU + 2% [Py, PF₆]. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the thermal stability of fabrics coated with polymers + ionic liquids \({\text{PF}}_{6}^{ - }\) has been improved compared to that of pristine fabric and fabrics coated only with polymers. The washing test carried out according to the ISO 105-C06:2010 standard shows that fabrics treated with ionic + polymer liquids retain the flame-retardant property for up to 12 washing cycles. Then, a drop test and a rain test confirmed that the textile materials coated with polymers + \({\text{PF}}_{6}^{ - }\) do not absorb water.