Synthesis of DOPA-functionalized silsesquioxane resin and its use as a cotton fabric modifier

This study presents a one-step synthesis of a novel DOPA-functionalized silsesquioxane resin and its application as a cotton fabric modifier. The primary objective was to develop a flame-retardant material for cotton fabrics, which are inherently flammable, limiting their broader applications. The synthesized resin was characterized using FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic techniques to confirm its chemical structure. The resin, containing a flame-retardant DOPO derivative fragment, was applied to cotton fabrics via a dip-coating process with varying solution concentrations. The effect of resin deposition on the thermal and flame-retardant properties of the fabrics was systematically investigated. Key findings revealed that the modified fabrics exhibited enhanced thermal stability, reduced thermal degradation rates, and improved flame-retardant performance, as demonstrated by LOI (25.2 %), pHRR (-61 %), HRC (-52 %), and THR (-45 %) analyses. FT-IR, SEM, and EDS analyses confirmed the effective and durable coating of the fabrics. Furthermore, the resin showed resistance to washing processes, maintaining its protective properties. The results indicate that the synthesized silsesquioxane resin is a highly effective flame-retardant agent for cotton fabrics, with its performance improving with higher concentrations of the modifier. This work highlights the potential of DOPA-functionalized silsesquioxane resin as an efficient solution for enhancing the safety and applicability of cotton.