Novel flame retardant finishing systems for cotton fabrics based on phosphorus-containing compounds and silica derived from sol–gel processes

Cotton fabrics have been subjected to sol–gel processes performed in the presence of phosphorus-based compounds, in order to prepare a novel flame retardant finishing system. The effect of the concurrent presence of phosphorus and silica on the flame retardancy and combustion behaviour of cotton has been assessed through flammability tests and cone calorimetry, respectively. Furthermore, the improved thermo-oxidative stability of the treated fabrics has been evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis in air. The obtained results have shown the efficiency of the novel flame retardant finishing system and its durability, as well.