Design of flameproof and waterproof natural textile fabrics

Natural fabrics, particularly linen and cotton are widely used in the textile industry due to their desirable properties, including breathability, durability, and comfort. However, their hydrophilic nature and inherent flammability pose limitations on their applications in various areas, such as residential settings, automotive vehicles, offices, and protective clothing. In these contexts, flame-retardant and hydrophobic properties are of crucial importance. To address this issue, we have applied UV-curable coatings on the surface of linen and cotton fabrics by employing two distinct acrylic polymer synthesis strategies. In the first approach, a methacrylated phenolic lipid was combined with n-alkyl methacrylate and copolymerized under UV exposure resulting in a hydrophobic and flame-retardant surface. In the second approach, 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane is coated on the natural fabric, and then 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) is applied above the 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) surface prior to UV curing. A comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the wetting behavior and flame retardancy of the fabric both before and after coating. This was done by employing water contact angle and limiting oxygen index testing. The findings of this study demonstrate that the hydrophobicity and flame retardancy of the fabric can be substantially enhanced through UV coating. Furthermore, the initial ratio between the applied monomers can be adjusted to fine-tune these properties. It is noteworthy that all the chemicals utilized in these investigations are derived from renewable bioresources, thereby ensuring sustainability and biocompatibility. This aspect holds significant importance for the textile industry, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing practices.