Effect of laundering by professional services on selected flame- retardant finished fabrics

Flame-retardant finished fabrics are needed for increased protection from burns associated with flammable cotton fabrics. To be satisfactory for consumer use, flame-retardant finished fabrics must have durability to laundering by professional commercial services. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of professional commercial laundering on the durability of three selected flame-retardant finishes (APO-THPC, THPC-urea-MM, and THPOH-NH3 on three selected fabrics (100 percent cotton, 70/30 and 50/50 cotton/ polyester blends). The specific objectives were to determine differences between three selected fabrics; unfinished fabrics and flame-retardant finished fabrics; dry-fold and ironing treatments after laundering; and durability of flame-retardant finishes after 0, 5, 10, and 20 launderings. The fabrics and flame-retardant finishes were prepared by Southern Utilization Research and Development Division of the United States Department of Agriculture for Southern Regional Research Project SM-38. Test fabrics were laundered by two commercial laundries using white wash laundering followed by other dry-fold or ironing treatment. After 0, 5, 10, or 20 launderings, specimens were tested for fire resistance by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, Vertical Test Method 34-1966. Results were reported as afterflame and afterglow in seconds and char length in inches