One-Step Multifunctionalization of Flax Fabrics for Simultaneous Flame-Retardant and Hydro-Oleophobic Properties...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Flax fabrics possess inherent limitations in flame retardancy and resistance to water and oil.
• Developing multifunctional textiles requires advanced surface modification techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve simultaneous flame retardancy and hydro-oleophobicity in flax fabrics.
• To investigate the one-step radiografting of flax with phosphonated and fluorinated monomers.
• To optimize grafting conditions for enhanced material properties.

Main Methods:

• One-step radiografting of flax fabrics using (meth)acrylic monomers: dimethyl(methacryloxy)methyl phosphonate (MAPC1), 2-(perfluorobutyl)ethyl methacrylate (M4), 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl acrylate (AC6), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl methacrylate (M8).
• Pre-irradiation of flax fabrics at 20 and 100 kGy.
• Characterization using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC), cone calorimetry, contact angle, and sliding angle measurements.

Main Results:

• Successful grafting confirmed by FTIR, SEM-EDX, showing uniform distribution of fluorine and phosphorus.
• Treated flax irradiated at 100 kGy with M8 and MAPC1 (50:50) for 24h achieved 8.04 wt% F and 0.77 wt% P.
• Modified fabrics exhibited high contact angles (water 151°, diiodomethane 131°) and a significant reduction in peak heat release rate (pHRR) from 230 W/g to 53 W/g.
• Fluorinated groups did not impede the flame-retardant effect of phosphorus.

Conclusions:

• One-step radiografting is an effective method for multifunctionalizing flax fabrics.
• The developed process imparts excellent flame retardancy and hydro-oleophobicity to flax textiles.
• The combination of phosphonated and fluorinated monomers offers a promising route for high-performance textile applications.