Consideration of Flame-Retardant Hook-and-Loop Fasteners Using Phosphate Ester Flame Retardants and the Influence of Their Dispersibility on Flame Retardancy

Abstract Generally, organic fibers are flammable due to their molecular structure. However, highly flame-retardant textile products are required for firefighting uniforms and uniforms used in areas where there is a risk of fire, as well as in enclosed spaces such as automobiles, trains, and airplanes. PET fibers made by melt spinning have excellent physical properties and dyeability. And organic phosphorus-based flame retardants generate less toxic gas than halogen-based flame retardants but are inferior in terms of flame retardancy. Most flame retardants are designed to be easily decomposed; thus, they could decompose during melt spinning. Furthermore, crystallization of resins can be inhibited, causing deterioration of physical properties. We utilized ScCO₂ processing technology makes it possible to swell the amorphous parts of resin and impregnate them with functional agents at low temperatures. (e.g., 31.1–120 °C). Utilizing this technology, a hook-and-loop fastener was impregnated with a large amount of a flame retardant to achieve high flame retardancy while maintaining the engagement force. In addition, the decomposition temperatures of flame retardants and their distribution in fibers were analyzed and considered that.