UV protection, antistatic and flame-retardant multifunctional coating of polyester/spandex fabric with carbon black nanoparticles

This study focused on the development of liquid carbon black nanoparticles (nano-CB) and the fabrication of black-colored polyester/spandex (T/S) fabrics with antiultraviolet, antistatic, and flame-retardant properties by a facile pad-cure technique. The flame retardancy efficiency and fastness of nano-CB on the fabric were enhanced by using a cyclic phosphate ester-based flame-retardant and polyacrylate adhesive binder HF-901. The morphology and particle size of nano-CB were investigated, and the color features, antiultraviolet and antistatic properties, combustion behavior, flame retardancy, and mechanism of coated T/S fabrics were also explored. The flaky nano-CB particles provided excellent light shielding and color fastness to the fabrics. The homogeneous coating of nano-CB also significantly improved the antiultraviolet and antistatic performance of the fabrics. Moreover, the coated T/S fabrics exhibited self-extinguishing capacity and a reduced damaged length of approximately 7.9 cm without molten drops. The formation of cross-linked char networks in the condensed phase and the trapping of combustible radicals in the gas phase during combustion synergistically enhanced the flame retardancy and anti-dripping capacity of the coated T/S fabrics. This study offers a facile and industrial applicable approach to enhance the multifunctionality of T/S fabrics and expand their potential applications.