Despite the use of toxic and not environmentally-friendly chemicals, some proteins derived from animal or microbial sources have been investigated as novel green flame retardants for cotton fabrics. In particular, phosphorus- and sulphur-rich proteins (i.e. caseins and hydrophobins) have been homogeneously deposited on cotton fabrics starting from protein aqueous suspensions/solutions. These surface treatments, based on the use of species able to favour the dehydration of cellulose instead of its depolymerization, have strongly enhanced the production of a thermally stable carbonaceous structure (char), hence significantly enhancing the flame retardancy of the fabrics, as assessed by thermogravimetry and flammability tests. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Caseins and hydrophobins as novel green flame retardants for cotton fabrics
Carletto Riccardo Andrea;Antonucci Vincenza;Giordano Michele;
2014
Abstract
Despite the use of toxic and not environmentally-friendly chemicals, some proteins derived from animal or microbial sources have been investigated as novel green flame retardants for cotton fabrics. In particular, phosphorus- and sulphur-rich proteins (i.e. caseins and hydrophobins) have been homogeneously deposited on cotton fabrics starting from protein aqueous suspensions/solutions. These surface treatments, based on the use of species able to favour the dehydration of cellulose instead of its depolymerization, have strongly enhanced the production of a thermally stable carbonaceous structure (char), hence significantly enhancing the flame retardancy of the fabrics, as assessed by thermogravimetry and flammability tests. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
