Bio-inspired and dual interaction-based layer-by-layer assembled coatings for superior flame retardancy and hydrophilicity of polyamide 6.6 textiles

A dual interaction-based (i.e., ionic/covalent) deposition of carbohydrate polymers, namely chitosan (CS) and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) along with a plant-derived phosphorus-rich compound like phytic acid (PA) and a nitrogen rich compound like melamine (ME) was considered onto the phosphorylated chitosan (PCS) modified polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) fabric surfaces in order to impart durable flame retardancy along with of the same. Firstly, the pure PA6.6 textile surfaces were modified by PCS via UV-induced grafting and subsequently, the above-mentioned polyelectrolytes were assembled onto the fabric surfaces in a quadralayer fashion [i.e., (CS/ME-OSA-CS/ME-PA) (n); n represents the number of quadralayers (QLs)]. Here, the amino groups of CS/ME and the aldehyde groups of the OSA were stabilized via covalent interaction and the deposition of positively charged CS/ME and negatively charged phytic acid (PA) formed ionic interaction. In the vertical burning (UL-94) test, both the only PCS grafted and the simultaneously PCS-grafted along with LbL assembled fabrics could completely stop the melt dripping tendency and attained a V-1 rating. In the meantime, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value received a moderate increase from 18.5 % of pure PA6.6 to 23.5 % for the PCS grafted and 8-QLs deposited fabric sample (i.e., PA6.6-g-PCS-8QL). Moreover, the PA6.6-g-PCS-8QL fabric sample exhibited a dramatic decrease in the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) by about 45 % and 24.7 % respectively alongside enhanced thermal stability. Apart from the appreciable flame retardancy, this fabric sample (i.e., PA6.6-g-PCS-8QL) could boost up the hydrophilicity to attain a water contact angle of 0 degrees. Finally, this dual interaction-based deposition of bio-inspired polyelectrolytes posed a positive impact in enhancing the coating stability in laundering and imparting durable flame retardancy to sustain even up to 20 laundering cycles.

Automated summary

A dual interaction-based deposition of carbohydrate polymers was used to enhance the flame retardancy of polyamide fabric, resulting in improved flame retardancy, thermal stability, and coating durability. The method showed promising results in increasing the fabric's resistance to flame and heat, maintaining stability during laundering, and sustaining flame retardancy even after multiple wash cycles.