FRONT project: a new perspective for flame retarded textiles by nanotechnology

FRONT is an innovative project with the main objective to produce textile fabrics resistant to fire with high perfonnances and quality, required for the security of the human life, In order to simulate the industrial textile process, the finishing phase is mimicked. The idea is to develop a similar method based on the same physical and chemical principles at the bottom of any dyeing processes and of the current. and already consolidated, chemical finishing treatments. In order to introduce this type of approach. nanotechnology is applied. In particular, the introduction of nanoparticles into the textile is done by the immersion of the fabrics into an aqueous nanoparticle solution, followed by the tinal fixation of the nanoparticles through thermal treatment. The textile material put in contact with the dispersion of nanoparticles absorbs them and, because of the formation of various types of bindings according to both the fiber typology and the nanoparticles, prevents any following release. Cotton, polyester and a blend of them are used. The action mechanism is very similar to the dyes and chemical behavior: in the case of the cotton, by formation of a chemical bond among the cellulose and the nanoparticles; in the case of the polyester by adhesion of nanoparticles on the polymer surface, after fixation using either thermal or coating treatment. General characterization will be done starting from the determination of the chemical and physical structure of nanoparticles, their morphology and thermo·stability in air and in inert atmosphere. In addition, the study of nanoparticlelfiber interactions will be followed according to their affinity and thennal stability and of flame retardam:y properties of the above textile fabric prototypes prepared. In order to measure the flame retardant properties. a cone calorimeter will be used to quantify and clarify parameters as heat release rate, total heat release, residual mass that are useful information about the kinetic aspects of the combustion. Moreover, particular attention will be focused on smoke toxicity as well as smoke release and opacity which are very important parameters to take into account when developing new flame retardant materials