# Effect of Zinc Borate on Flammability of PET Woven Fabrics

Authors: Mustafa E. Üreyen; Elif Kaynak
Journal: Advances in Polymer Technology
 (2019)

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## Abstract

Zinc borate (ZnB) has been used as a flame retardant, a smoke suppressant, and an antitracking agent in several applications. It may show synergistic effects with antimony oxide and metal hydroxides in fire retardant systems. In this work, the effect of ZnB on the flame retardancy of PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) woven fabrics was investigated. In order to provide the homogenous application of ZnB to the fabrics, the particle size of ZnB powders was reduced from 9μm to submicron scale by wet-milling with zirconia balls followed by high shear fluid processing. ZnB dispersion was mixed with low-formaldehyde melamine resin based cross-linking agent and it was applied to PET fabrics by pad dry cure method. ZnB dispersion was then added in different ratios to alkyl phosphonate and organophosphorus compound based commercial flame retardant finishing agents and applied to the fabrics. The effect of zinc borate with phosphorus based flame retardant (FR) finishing agents was examined by cone calorimetry under a heat flux of 35 kW/m2, vertical flame test, and limit oxygen index. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed up to 800°C under N2 flow. Test results show that zinc borate can be combined with the organophosphorus based commercial FR finishing agents. Zinc borate could not improve the flammability properties of PET fabrics significantly but decreased mean CO, total smoke release, and total smoke production values.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) fiber is the most-used synthetic fiber worldwide thanks to a vast number of technical applications. It has been widely used in household textiles as curtains, upholstery, and mattresses. Moreover, it has frequently been used in transportation textiles. Although PET has good thermal stability, chemical resistance, and excellent mechanical properties, relatively high flammability and the poor antidripping properties of PET restrict its application where specific fire resistance performance is required. Fire statistics show that an important portion of losses and fatalities in domestic fires are caused by synthetic fibers such as polyester [1, 2]. Polyester fibers may be flame retarded using either one of the following approaches: using flame retardant comonomers during copolymerization, doping FR additives during extrusion, or applying flame retardants on fabrics by finishing or coating techniques [2]. For instance, Trevira CS® produced by copolymerization of bifunctional organophosphorus compound based on a phosphinic acid derivative is a well-known inherently flame retardant polyester fiber [3]. Commercial flame retardants for thermoplastic polyesters including PET and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) were reviewed by Weil and Levchik [4]. It was emphasized that phosphorus containing FRs provide adequate performance for PET and PBT. In the recent years, the sol-gel treatment of polyester and its blends has been considered as the sol-gel derived hybrid architectures are able to protect the polymer substrate by forming a barrier against heat and mass transfer [5, 6]. The treatment of PET fabrics with a silane precursor (3-glyci-dyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) in the presence of boehmite enhanced the flame resistance of polyester [7]. When PET fabrics were coated with phosphorylated sol-gel, the LOI of PET fabric was increased from 18% to 27%; however the suggested treatment requires that the fabrics are exposed to UV/Ozone irradiation before treatment [8, 9].There is a high demand by the industry for inexpensive, non-halogenated flame retardants which can easily be applied to textiles using conventional equipment. In addition to this, flame retardants should not deteriorate the physical, aesthetic, and physiological properties of textiles. They should also present environmental-friendly and nontoxic features. Although their efficiency is lower than halogen based flame retardants, expensive phosphorus based flame retardants for polyester are preferred, because of low smoke generation, nontoxicity, and low corrosion properties [10–12]. On the other hand, melt dripping of polyester during burning is still a major problem. Therefore, flame retardants for polyester based textiles which promote char formation and reduce melt-dripping behavior are required [13, 14]. The melt dripping behavior of some commercial flame retardants on PBT has been investigated and it was found that the melt flow and dripping behaviors of polymer were highly dependent on the type and mode of action of flame retardant [15].Less than 2 wt% of additives such as metal oxides can change the interaction of phosphorus containing flame retardants with their chemical surroundings during pyrolysis [16]. Combining some additives with phosphorus based flame retardant may enhance the effect of flame retardant agent. Various metal compounds, borates, and inorganic fillers can be used as synergists to phosphorus based flame retardants [16]. Endothermic thermal decomposition of metal hydroxide, carbonate, and boron additives produces noncombustible gasses, such as H2O and CO2 diluting the oxygen supply and fuel concentration [17]. Zinc borate has been widely used as a flame retardant, a smoke suppressant, an afterglow suppressant, and an antitracking agent. It has been used with other flame retardants in several polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) [18], polyamide (PA) [19, 20], polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [20], and other polyolefins. It has been previously shown that ultrafine zinc borate particles can reduce the toxicity either by reducing the amount of combustion gases produced due to the improved quality of char or by absorbing CO and the smoke particles thanks to its small particle size, high surface area, and high specific area [21]. Zinc borate with a chemical formula of 2ZnO·3B2O3·3.5H2O is stable up to >290°C and this feature allows for its processing with a number of polymers. The number of studies related to the use of zinc borate as a flame retardant for textiles is limited. Agrawal et al. [22] used zinc borate successfully as a flame retardant for polyester; moreover they investigated that flame retardant features presented by zinc borate could further be enhanced when it is used in combination with antimony trioxide. Some researchers have studied the effect of the particle size of ZnB on flammability. Bourbigot et al. [23] found out that the use of fine zinc borate particles in EVA/alumina trihydrate system provided a better dispersion as the B2O3/ZnO glass formed by the degradation of zinc borate was homogenously distributed in polymer matrix. It was shown that the replacement of 5-10wt% magnesium hydroxide by fine grade zinc borate reduced the peak of HRR of EVA and increased char formation [24]. Üreyen [25] investigated the combination of submicron scaled ZnB powders and organic phosphinate based flame retardant on the flame retardancy of poly(butylene terephthalate). It was found that ZnB increased the char content but decreased the LOI value.The ignitability of textile materials is often measured by limiting oxygen index (LOI), horizontal and vertical flammability tests. Despite the cone calorimeter being a good indicator of the combustion behavior of materials, it has rarely been used to test the fire performance of textiles. Thus, very few studies related to the cone calorimeter analyses of textiles have been found in literature. Alonghi et al. [12] applied several nanoparticles and their combinations to polyester, cotton, and polyester/cotton blends and tested their flammability by cone calorimeter under a heat flux of 35 kW/m2. They have investigated that most of the nanoparticles increase the fire performance index (FPI) value of polyester fabric with low area density (171 g/m2); however they had very little effect on polyester fabric with high area density (490 g/m2). Kotresh et al. [26] evaluated the flammability of commercial inherently flame retardant polyester curtain fabric samples by cone calorimetry at 50 kW/m2. As the area density of fabric increased, important flammability parameters such as the peak heat release rate, total heat released, and CO yield increased due to the increasing amount of fuel; however effective heat of combustion did not change significantly.In this work, mean particle size of zinc borate (2ZnO.3B2O3.3.5H2O) powders was reduced by attrition milling followed by high shear fluid processing in order to increase its surface area. Powders were then applied to polyester (PET) woven fabrics by pad dry cure method. In addition to this, zinc borate dispersion was added in different ratios to commercial finishing agents and applied to the fabric samples. The effect of zinc borate with phosphorus based flame retardant finishing agents was examined by cone calorimetry, LOI, vertical flame test, and thermogravimetric analysis.


## 2. Materials and Methods

Zinc borate with the chemical formula 2ZnO·3B2O3·3.5H2O was provided by Great Lake Chemical Corporation/USA under commercial name of ZB-467. Alkyl phosphonate based nonionic flame retardant finishing agent which is acidic in nature (pH=2-5) was provided by Rudolf GmbH/Germany under the commercial name of Rucoflam PSY-E (PSY). Organic cyclic phosphonate compound based finishing agent (17% P) which is strongly acidic in nature (pH=1.5-1.8) was provided by Clariant/Switzerland under commercial name of Pekoflam PES (PEK). The cross-linking agent based on low formaldehyde methylol melamine resin was kindly supplied by CHT/Germany under commercial name of Apyrol MH.PET 2/1 twill woven fabric with a density of 275 g/m2 was used. In order to remove the impurities and reactive groups remaining on the fabric from previous processing, the fabric samples were washed with a colloidal, complexing chemical agent capable of sequestering ions (Clariant/Switzerland, Ladiquest 1097N Liquid). The washing was performed using a wascator (Electrolux, FOM71 CLS) according to ISO 6330-2002 following 5A program. The fabric samples were then dried flat at room temperature.The particle size of ZnB was 9μm as obtained. In order to reduce its particle size to submicron scale wet method was selected thanks to the insolubility of ZnB in water. Stabilizing agents, namely, aluminum sulfate 18-hydrate (AS), sodium silicate (SS), and tri-sodium citrate di-hydrate (TSS) were purchased from Merck KGaA/Germany and used as purchased at certain molar ratios in order to obtain a stable milling media. The particle size and zeta potential of each dispersion after milling was measured by Zetasizer (Malvern, NanoZS 3600). The selected dispersion was then processed by a high shear fluid processor (Microfluidics, M110P) to obtain a more homogenous and stable solution. ZnB powders were characterized by XRD (Rigaku, Miniflex 600) with CuK-α radiation before and after milling.All types of flame retardant agents were applied to fabric samples by using a laboratory vertical padder (ATAC, F350). The treatment conditions of commercial agents were chosen as to comply with the conditions recommended by the manufacturers. Firstly, finishing baths were prepared adding various concentrations of ZnB solution (50-200g/L) to evaluate the flame retardant performance of ZnB powders alone. The cross-linking agent was based on low formaldehyde melamine resin and was also added to each finishing bath (20 g/L) in order to provide washing durability. Following the padding, fabric samples were dried and cured in a laboratory stenter (Rapid, minidryer QCA 1708).A 25% of PSY, 25% PEK, and 50% PEK were replaced by the zinc borate solution and applied to the fabrics to see the effects of ZnB (PSY-Z20, PEK-Z25, and PEK-Z50). The solution pH was adjusted by phosphoric acid. In order to eliminate the deteriorating effects of phosphoric acid, the fabric samples were washed in Wascator machine according to same standard used for washing the neat fabric after being treated with sodium carbonate (15 g/L) for neutralization. Commercial finishing agents and ZnB combinations were applied to the fabric samples. The treatment conditions of all applications are tabulated in Table1.Table 1
The flame retardant treatment conditions of PET fabrics.
Finishing agent and application conditions Quantity (g/l) Z50 Z100 Z200 PSY PSY-Z20 PEK PEK-Z25 PEK-Z50 Agent A (PSY) 0 0 0 80 60 0 0 0 Agent B (PEK) 0 0 0 0 0 100 75 50 ZnB dispersion 50 100 200 0 20 0 25 50 Pick-up (%) 92.35 91.25 90.75 87.74 97.20 90.87 90.60 89.30 pH 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 Drying 120°C 120°C 120°C 120°C 120°C 120°C 120°C 120°C 2 min. 2 min. 2 min. 1.5 min. 1.5 min. 1.5 min. 1.5 min. 1.5 min. Curing 160°C 160°C 160°C 190°C 190°C 190°C 190°C 190°C 3 min 3 min. 3 min. 1.5 min 1.5 min. 1.5 min. 1.5 min. 1.5 min.The fire performance of the treated fabrics was evaluated by limit oxygen index (LOI) test, vertical flammability test, and cone calorimeter. The LOI tests were performed using an LOI test equipment (Dynsco) following ASTM D 2863-00 standard. Vertical flammability tests of fabric samples (76 mm × 300 mm) were performed using a vertical flammability test chamber (SDL Atlas) following ASTM D 6413-08 standard. The samples were exposed to the flame for 12 seconds. After-flame time (the length of time the material continues to burn after removal of the burner), after-glow time (the length of time the material glows after the flame extinguishes), and char length were measured. Cone calorimeter (Fire Testing Technology, FTT) was used to investigate the combustion behavior of square samples (100 mm × 100 mm × 0.6 mm) according to ISO 5660 standard. The heat flux chosen was 35 kW/m2 as it was previously proposed as the heat flux that can adequately represent a mild fire scenario [27]. Time to ignition (TTI, s), heat release rate (HRR, kW/m2), and corresponding peak HRR, time to peak HRR (s), total heat release (THR, kW/m2), and mean MLR (g/s) were measured. Mean CO and CO2 release (kg/kg), total smoke release (TSR, m2/m2), and total smoke production (TSP, m2) were also evaluated. The fire performance index (FPI, sm2/kW) was also calculated as TTI to pHRR ratio. It was calculated in order to establish a ranking of the most effective application for improving the flame retardancy of polyester fabric samples. It is claimed that the higher the FPI, the better the flame-retardant performance presented by the sample [12]. All fabric samples were conditioned in a climatic chamber at 23 ± 1°C, 50% relative humidity for 24 h before the tests.The thermal stability of the fabrics was evaluated by thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) in nitrogen from 30 to 800°C with a heating rate of 10°C/min by using Netzsch/STA 409 PG and TA Instruments SDT Q600.Fabric morphologies were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, Zeiss Evo 50EP) at 15 kV.The durability and washing fastness of FR treated fabrics were also tested, and the samples were washed several times by a Wascator following the same standard used for washing the neat fabric.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Particle Size Reduction of ZnB

ZnB powders were milled to reduce the particle size by attrition milling in distilled water according to the process described in literature [25]. As the sizes of particles are reduced, the particles tend to agglomerate due to increase in surface energy and thermodynamic unsteadiness [28]. Stabilizers are used to prevent agglomeration caused by either the surface potential or steric stabilization. Several surfactants, ligands, or polymers having functional groups can be used for this purpose [29].Aluminum sulphate-18 hydrate (Al2O12S3.18H2O) (AS), sodium silicate (SS), and tri-sodium citrate di-hydrate (TSS) were selected and added to ZnB dispersion in different ratios during the milling. The effects of stabilizing agent on size reduction process have been studied and the results are presented in Table 2. Negative zeta potential values were obtained independent of the stabilizing agent used. Zeta potential value approached zero when AS and SS were used during milling. The use of TSS resulted in better zeta potential and lower average particle size values than the other stabilizing agents. Additionally, TSS does not exhibit toxic behavior and cause allergic reactions. Therefore the use of TSS was considered. After attrition milling with TSS, the samples were processed with high shear fluid processor and the average particle size was reduced further to 498.1 nm.Table 2
Particle size and zeta potential test results of ZnB after attrition milling.
Stabilizing Agent Quantity (mol/l) Mean particle size (nm) Zeta Potential (mV) AS 0.04 1,092.0 -8.98 0.08 882.2 -0.299 0.12 1,169.0 -4.11 0.16 874.1 -0.675  SS 0.04 719.9 -6.63 0.08 1147 -9.83 0.12 650.8 -6.68 0.16 758.3 -4.86  TSS 0.04 758.0 -35.3 0.08 772.2 -48.6 0.12 1,220.0 -63.5 0.16 1,381.0 -64.8It has been shown that pH, ionic strength, and concentration of electrolytes should be evaluated when the colloidal stability is enhanced electrostatically by sodium citrate [30]. Therefore, the effect of pH and electrolytes on zeta potential and size values has been investigated. The change in zeta potential with respect to pH is shown in Table 3 for the ZnB sample milled using 0.08 mol/l of sodium citrate. The pH has been adjusted by adding phosphoric acid dropwise. The zeta potential approached zero as the pH decreased. At pH=7, the value of zeta potential was -46.9 mV and at pH=4 the value measured was -4.91 mV.Table 3
Effect of pH on zeta potential value.
pH Zeta potential (mV) 4.0 -4,91 5.0 -19,8 6.0 -32,1 7.0 -46,9Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) was also added to the milling media to evaluate the effect of electrolyte on the particle size. The particle size of ZnB was reduced to 139 nm after milling in attritor mill followed by processing in high shear fluid processor. The zeta potential value of this sample was measured as -80.4 mV. The zeta potential and size distribution of ZnB is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
(a) Particle size distribution and (b) zeta potential plots of ZnB milled by using sodium citrate and sodium sulfate.
(a) (b)


### 3.2. Characterization of ZnB Powders

The XRD plot of ZnB (ZB-467) powder is shown in Figure2(a). The plot confirms the chemical formula of the ZnB as 2ZnO·3B2O3·3.5H2O. The XRD peak intensities were lower for the milled ZnB (using 0.08 mol/l TSS as stabilizer) as can be seen in Figure 2(b). The reduction in peak intensities may be attributed to a more amorphous structure formed due to milling. When the ZnB solution pH was reduced after milling (pH=4), the XRD pattern changed significantly (Figure 2(c)). This result indicates the ZnB which may have been partially hydrolysed in acidic media, tended to recrystallize upon drying.Figure 2
XRD patterns of ZnB (a) as received, (b) after milling, and (c) after milling (pH=4).
(a) (b) (c)The particle size of ZnB (ZB-467) was measured as 9.627μm and the results were confirmed by the SEM images (Figure 3).Figure 3
SEM image of ZnB powder (2,000X).TGA and DTA plots of ZnB (ZB-467) are shown in Figure4. The mass loss of ZnB starts at 300°C and it was measured as approximately 12% between 300 and 420°C and 14.5% between 300 and 600°C.The first endothermic reaction was observed at approximately 90°C due to the loss of moisture and another endotherm was identified within the range of 350-420°C possibly due to the dehydration [31]. Yang et al. [32] found that ZnB is mainly low temperature type α-ZnO·B2O3 in the range of 600-700°C, and α-ZnO·B2O3 and β-ZnO·B2O3 coexist in equilibrium at 700-900°C. Endothermic peaks at 860°C and 970°C show the melting of α-ZnO·B2O3 and β-ZnO·B2O3, respectively.Figure 4
(a) TGA and (b) DTA curves of ZnB.
(a) (b)


### 3.3. Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis Results

In order to assess the morphology of the fabric surfaces after the flame retardant applications, SEM observations have been carried out. SEM micrographs of reference PET fabric and Z100 sample are shown in Figure5. SEM images confirm that the particle size of ZnB was reduced to submicron scale successfully and the particles were homogenously distributed on the fiber surface. SEM images of PET fabrics treated with commercial flame retardants and zinc borate are shown in Figures 6 and 7. The zinc borate particles attached to the fabrics surfaces can be seen in these figures.Figure 5
SEM test results of fabric samples. (a) Reference fabric (1,000X); (b) reference fabric (3,000X); (c) Z100 (1,000X); (d) Z100 (3,000X).
(a) (b) (c) (d)Figure 6
SEM test results of fabric samples. (a) PSY (1,000X); (b) PSY (3,000X); (c) PSY-Z20 (1,000X); (d) PSY-Z20 (2,500X).
(a) (b) (c) (d)Figure 7
SEM test results of fabric samples. (a) PEK (1,000X); (b) PEK (2,500X); (c) PEK-Z25 (1,000X); (d) PEK-Z25 (3,000X).
(a) (b) (c) (d)


### 3.4. Thermogravimetric Analysis Results

Figure8 shows the TGA curves of fabrics. The degradation of untreated PET initiated at about 350°C and a one-step degradation was observed up to 450°C. Similar trends were observed for the degradation of FR treated PET fabrics with increasing temperature. The temperature of 10% and 50% weight loss and the char residue at 500°C and 600°C are summarized in Table 4. ZnB, when used alone, increased the char yield; however its combination with commercial agents resulted in lower residual char. The highest char residue was obtained with Z200 sample. As expected, the flame retardant additives slightly reduced the onset decomposition temperature of polyester fabric. Flame retardant treated fabrics show the same degradation mechanisms as reference fabric.Table 4
TGA test results of the samples.
T10% T50% Residue at500°C (%) Residue at600°C (%) REF. 404 432 10.61 9.19 Z50 396 424 17.34 15.68 Z100 398 427 18.74 17.09 Z200 400 429 19.74 17.95 PSY 391 430 16.45 14.86 PSY-Z20 394 428 14.02 12.17 PEK 397 431 14.28 12.67 PEK-Z25 398 430 13.64 11.94 PEK-Z50 401 432 12.23 10.29Figure 8
TGA curves of the samples.


### 3.5. LOI Test Results

The limit oxygen index (LOI) values of polyester fabrics treated with flame retardant agents are shown in Table5. The highest LOI value (33.8%) was obtained for the fabric treated with organophosphorus based finishing agent. The LOI of the polyester fabric samples treated with alkyl phosphonate based finishing agent (PSY) was 31.3%. ZnB when used alone increased the LOI of neat PET fabrics. The LOI increased with the increasing ZnB concentration. The desired level of washing-fastness has been achieved thanks to the cross-linking agent. Moreover, without sacrificing flame retardancy, washing may be applied as a posttreatment in order to reduce the amount of formaldehyde on the finished fabrics [33].Table 5
LOI test results of the samples.
Washing cycle LOI (%) Ref. Z50 Z100 Z200 PSY PSY-Z20 PEK PEK-Z25 PEK-Z50 0 21 21.9 22.9 23.1 31.3 24.4 33.8 33.5 31.0 10 - 21.5 22.0 23.0 30.6 24.2 33.5 33.0 30.2 20 - 21.5 22.0 22.5 29.9 24.0 33.5 33.0 29.7When the commercial flame retardant agent was partially replaced with ZnB (PSY-Z), LOI was decreased. The effect of ZnB on LOI of PEK-Z25 was not significant; however LOI of PEK-Z50 was slightly lower as the total amount of flame retardants was reduced.


### 3.6. Cone Calorimetry Test Results

HRR curves of samples obtained by cone calorimeter tests are shown in Figure9. The flame retardant treatment of fabrics caused a reduction in pHRR. Excluding fabrics treated with PEK and PEK-zinc borate time to peak HRR values were also decreased. Important flammability parameters obtained by the cone calorimeter are presented in Table 6. TTI values of fabrics treated with ZnB were reduced possibly due to the lower thermal stability of stabilizing agent used for milling and binder used to enhance washing-fastness. The early degradation of the binder and stabilizing agent could lead to the increase of combustible volatiles TTI values as the concentration of ZnB increased. Zinc borate acts as an insulation barrier for the transfer of heat and oxygen to the fabric besides cooling the substrate by endothermic reactions [34]. Therefore, TTI values were increased and pHRR values were decreased for samples treated with ZnB. Accordingly, FPI values of these samples were lower than the value calculated for the untreated fabric except for the sample treated with 200 g/L ZnB and sample treated only with PSY than those treated with PSY and ZnB. However, the incorporation of ZnB reduced the mean CO yield and total smoke produced. Similar conclusions were made with the results of sample treated with only PEK and sample treated with PEK and ZnB except for TTI values. The TTI value of PSY-Z20 was higher than PSY. As the amount of ZnB particles deposited on fabric surface increases, the value of TTI increases due to the formation of a protective layer which delays ignition.Table 6
Cone calorimeter test results of all samples.
Parameter Sample code REF. Z50 Z100 Z200 PSY PSY-Z20 PEK PEK-Z25 PEK-Z50 TTI (s) 71 47 50 52 65 58 73 76 70 t peak HRR (s) 85 65 65 65 75 70 85 90 85 peak HRR (kW/m2) 447.85 326.42 318.45 303.65 232.34 267.99 247.81 268.35 332.34 THR (MJ/m2) 6.522 7.850 7.840 7.079 6.132 8.926 6.376 6.211 7.099 mean MLR (g/s) 0.014 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.016 0.015 0.016 0.017 0.016 FPI (m2•s/kW) 0.159 0.144 0.157 0.171 0.280 0.216 0.295 0.283 0.211 mean COY (kg/kg) 0.132 0.121 0.130 0.123 0.234 0.190 0.160 0.124 0.112 mean CO2Y (kg/kg) 1.510 1.542 1.661 1.601 1.159 1.183 1.237 1.170 1.470 TSR (m2/m2) 167.06 168.79 154.01 154.44 263.58 210.84 290.54 276.85 235.09 (TSP) (m2) 1.477 1.492 1.361 1.365 2.330 1.864 2.568 2.447 2.078Figure 9
HRR curves of all samples.From the cone calorimeter results, it is obvious that ZnB reduced mean CO yield, total smoke release, and smoke production values. These results confirm that ZnB particles slow down the production of volatile species and promote char formation.


### 3.7. Vertical Flame Test Results

Flammability of treated fabrics was evaluated in terms of vertical flame test. Figure10 shows images of reference sample and all flame retardant treated fabric samples. Test results are given in Table 7. In terms of flammability, favourable results were obtained for polyester fabrics treated with commercial flame retardants. Samples treated only with ZnB, namely, Z50 and Z100, completely burned but Z200 did not completely burn due to higher amount of ZnB used. Increasing the amount of ZnB applied improves the flammability of polyester fabrics. The replacement of ZnB partially with the commercial flame retardants did not further improve the flammability. After flame time and char length were increased, zinc borate was concluded to be more compatible with PEK. The incorporation in ZnB reduced the dripping behaviour and increased char formation.Table 7
Vertical flame test results of all fabric samples.
After-flame time (s) After-glow time (s) Char length (mm) Dripping REF. --- --- --- Yes Z50 --- --- --- Yes Z100 --- --- --- Yes Z200 24.7 --- 276 No PSY 3.3 0 74 Yes PSY-Z20 14.0 0 179 Yes PEK 2.3 0 67 Yes PEK-Z25 3.0 0 83 Yes PEK-Z50 4.2 0 129 YesFigure 10
Fabrics after vertical flammability test. (a) Reference fabric; (b) Z50; (c) Z100; (d) Z200; (e) PSY; (f) PSY-Z20; (g) PEK; (h) PEK-Z25; (i) PEK-Z50.
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i)


## 3.1. Particle Size Reduction of ZnB

ZnB powders were milled to reduce the particle size by attrition milling in distilled water according to the process described in literature [25]. As the sizes of particles are reduced, the particles tend to agglomerate due to increase in surface energy and thermodynamic unsteadiness [28]. Stabilizers are used to prevent agglomeration caused by either the surface potential or steric stabilization. Several surfactants, ligands, or polymers having functional groups can be used for this purpose [29].Aluminum sulphate-18 hydrate (Al2O12S3.18H2O) (AS), sodium silicate (SS), and tri-sodium citrate di-hydrate (TSS) were selected and added to ZnB dispersion in different ratios during the milling. The effects of stabilizing agent on size reduction process have been studied and the results are presented in Table 2. Negative zeta potential values were obtained independent of the stabilizing agent used. Zeta potential value approached zero when AS and SS were used during milling. The use of TSS resulted in better zeta potential and lower average particle size values than the other stabilizing agents. Additionally, TSS does not exhibit toxic behavior and cause allergic reactions. Therefore the use of TSS was considered. After attrition milling with TSS, the samples were processed with high shear fluid processor and the average particle size was reduced further to 498.1 nm.Table 2
Particle size and zeta potential test results of ZnB after attrition milling.
Stabilizing Agent Quantity (mol/l) Mean particle size (nm) Zeta Potential (mV) AS 0.04 1,092.0 -8.98 0.08 882.2 -0.299 0.12 1,169.0 -4.11 0.16 874.1 -0.675  SS 0.04 719.9 -6.63 0.08 1147 -9.83 0.12 650.8 -6.68 0.16 758.3 -4.86  TSS 0.04 758.0 -35.3 0.08 772.2 -48.6 0.12 1,220.0 -63.5 0.16 1,381.0 -64.8It has been shown that pH, ionic strength, and concentration of electrolytes should be evaluated when the colloidal stability is enhanced electrostatically by sodium citrate [30]. Therefore, the effect of pH and electrolytes on zeta potential and size values has been investigated. The change in zeta potential with respect to pH is shown in Table 3 for the ZnB sample milled using 0.08 mol/l of sodium citrate. The pH has been adjusted by adding phosphoric acid dropwise. The zeta potential approached zero as the pH decreased. At pH=7, the value of zeta potential was -46.9 mV and at pH=4 the value measured was -4.91 mV.Table 3
Effect of pH on zeta potential value.
pH Zeta potential (mV) 4.0 -4,91 5.0 -19,8 6.0 -32,1 7.0 -46,9Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) was also added to the milling media to evaluate the effect of electrolyte on the particle size. The particle size of ZnB was reduced to 139 nm after milling in attritor mill followed by processing in high shear fluid processor. The zeta potential value of this sample was measured as -80.4 mV. The zeta potential and size distribution of ZnB is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
(a) Particle size distribution and (b) zeta potential plots of ZnB milled by using sodium citrate and sodium sulfate.
(a) (b)


## 3.2. Characterization of ZnB Powders

The XRD plot of ZnB (ZB-467) powder is shown in Figure2(a). The plot confirms the chemical formula of the ZnB as 2ZnO·3B2O3·3.5H2O. The XRD peak intensities were lower for the milled ZnB (using 0.08 mol/l TSS as stabilizer) as can be seen in Figure 2(b). The reduction in peak intensities may be attributed to a more amorphous structure formed due to milling. When the ZnB solution pH was reduced after milling (pH=4), the XRD pattern changed significantly (Figure 2(c)). This result indicates the ZnB which may have been partially hydrolysed in acidic media, tended to recrystallize upon drying.Figure 2
XRD patterns of ZnB (a) as received, (b) after milling, and (c) after milling (pH=4).
(a) (b) (c)The particle size of ZnB (ZB-467) was measured as 9.627μm and the results were confirmed by the SEM images (Figure 3).Figure 3
SEM image of ZnB powder (2,000X).TGA and DTA plots of ZnB (ZB-467) are shown in Figure4. The mass loss of ZnB starts at 300°C and it was measured as approximately 12% between 300 and 420°C and 14.5% between 300 and 600°C.The first endothermic reaction was observed at approximately 90°C due to the loss of moisture and another endotherm was identified within the range of 350-420°C possibly due to the dehydration [31]. Yang et al. [32] found that ZnB is mainly low temperature type α-ZnO·B2O3 in the range of 600-700°C, and α-ZnO·B2O3 and β-ZnO·B2O3 coexist in equilibrium at 700-900°C. Endothermic peaks at 860°C and 970°C show the melting of α-ZnO·B2O3 and β-ZnO·B2O3, respectively.Figure 4
(a) TGA and (b) DTA curves of ZnB.
(a) (b)


## 3.3. Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis Results

In order to assess the morphology of the fabric surfaces after the flame retardant applications, SEM observations have been carried out. SEM micrographs of reference PET fabric and Z100 sample are shown in Figure5. SEM images confirm that the particle size of ZnB was reduced to submicron scale successfully and the particles were homogenously distributed on the fiber surface. SEM images of PET fabrics treated with commercial flame retardants and zinc borate are shown in Figures 6 and 7. The zinc borate particles attached to the fabrics surfaces can be seen in these figures.Figure 5
SEM test results of fabric samples. (a) Reference fabric (1,000X); (b) reference fabric (3,000X); (c) Z100 (1,000X); (d) Z100 (3,000X).
(a) (b) (c) (d)Figure 6
SEM test results of fabric samples. (a) PSY (1,000X); (b) PSY (3,000X); (c) PSY-Z20 (1,000X); (d) PSY-Z20 (2,500X).
(a) (b) (c) (d)Figure 7
SEM test results of fabric samples. (a) PEK (1,000X); (b) PEK (2,500X); (c) PEK-Z25 (1,000X); (d) PEK-Z25 (3,000X).
(a) (b) (c) (d)


## 3.4. Thermogravimetric Analysis Results

Figure8 shows the TGA curves of fabrics. The degradation of untreated PET initiated at about 350°C and a one-step degradation was observed up to 450°C. Similar trends were observed for the degradation of FR treated PET fabrics with increasing temperature. The temperature of 10% and 50% weight loss and the char residue at 500°C and 600°C are summarized in Table 4. ZnB, when used alone, increased the char yield; however its combination with commercial agents resulted in lower residual char. The highest char residue was obtained with Z200 sample. As expected, the flame retardant additives slightly reduced the onset decomposition temperature of polyester fabric. Flame retardant treated fabrics show the same degradation mechanisms as reference fabric.Table 4
TGA test results of the samples.
T10% T50% Residue at500°C (%) Residue at600°C (%) REF. 404 432 10.61 9.19 Z50 396 424 17.34 15.68 Z100 398 427 18.74 17.09 Z200 400 429 19.74 17.95 PSY 391 430 16.45 14.86 PSY-Z20 394 428 14.02 12.17 PEK 397 431 14.28 12.67 PEK-Z25 398 430 13.64 11.94 PEK-Z50 401 432 12.23 10.29Figure 8
TGA curves of the samples.


## 3.5. LOI Test Results

The limit oxygen index (LOI) values of polyester fabrics treated with flame retardant agents are shown in Table5. The highest LOI value (33.8%) was obtained for the fabric treated with organophosphorus based finishing agent. The LOI of the polyester fabric samples treated with alkyl phosphonate based finishing agent (PSY) was 31.3%. ZnB when used alone increased the LOI of neat PET fabrics. The LOI increased with the increasing ZnB concentration. The desired level of washing-fastness has been achieved thanks to the cross-linking agent. Moreover, without sacrificing flame retardancy, washing may be applied as a posttreatment in order to reduce the amount of formaldehyde on the finished fabrics [33].Table 5
LOI test results of the samples.
Washing cycle LOI (%) Ref. Z50 Z100 Z200 PSY PSY-Z20 PEK PEK-Z25 PEK-Z50 0 21 21.9 22.9 23.1 31.3 24.4 33.8 33.5 31.0 10 - 21.5 22.0 23.0 30.6 24.2 33.5 33.0 30.2 20 - 21.5 22.0 22.5 29.9 24.0 33.5 33.0 29.7When the commercial flame retardant agent was partially replaced with ZnB (PSY-Z), LOI was decreased. The effect of ZnB on LOI of PEK-Z25 was not significant; however LOI of PEK-Z50 was slightly lower as the total amount of flame retardants was reduced.


## 3.6. Cone Calorimetry Test Results

HRR curves of samples obtained by cone calorimeter tests are shown in Figure9. The flame retardant treatment of fabrics caused a reduction in pHRR. Excluding fabrics treated with PEK and PEK-zinc borate time to peak HRR values were also decreased. Important flammability parameters obtained by the cone calorimeter are presented in Table 6. TTI values of fabrics treated with ZnB were reduced possibly due to the lower thermal stability of stabilizing agent used for milling and binder used to enhance washing-fastness. The early degradation of the binder and stabilizing agent could lead to the increase of combustible volatiles TTI values as the concentration of ZnB increased. Zinc borate acts as an insulation barrier for the transfer of heat and oxygen to the fabric besides cooling the substrate by endothermic reactions [34]. Therefore, TTI values were increased and pHRR values were decreased for samples treated with ZnB. Accordingly, FPI values of these samples were lower than the value calculated for the untreated fabric except for the sample treated with 200 g/L ZnB and sample treated only with PSY than those treated with PSY and ZnB. However, the incorporation of ZnB reduced the mean CO yield and total smoke produced. Similar conclusions were made with the results of sample treated with only PEK and sample treated with PEK and ZnB except for TTI values. The TTI value of PSY-Z20 was higher than PSY. As the amount of ZnB particles deposited on fabric surface increases, the value of TTI increases due to the formation of a protective layer which delays ignition.Table 6
Cone calorimeter test results of all samples.
Parameter Sample code REF. Z50 Z100 Z200 PSY PSY-Z20 PEK PEK-Z25 PEK-Z50 TTI (s) 71 47 50 52 65 58 73 76 70 t peak HRR (s) 85 65 65 65 75 70 85 90 85 peak HRR (kW/m2) 447.85 326.42 318.45 303.65 232.34 267.99 247.81 268.35 332.34 THR (MJ/m2) 6.522 7.850 7.840 7.079 6.132 8.926 6.376 6.211 7.099 mean MLR (g/s) 0.014 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.016 0.015 0.016 0.017 0.016 FPI (m2•s/kW) 0.159 0.144 0.157 0.171 0.280 0.216 0.295 0.283 0.211 mean COY (kg/kg) 0.132 0.121 0.130 0.123 0.234 0.190 0.160 0.124 0.112 mean CO2Y (kg/kg) 1.510 1.542 1.661 1.601 1.159 1.183 1.237 1.170 1.470 TSR (m2/m2) 167.06 168.79 154.01 154.44 263.58 210.84 290.54 276.85 235.09 (TSP) (m2) 1.477 1.492 1.361 1.365 2.330 1.864 2.568 2.447 2.078Figure 9
HRR curves of all samples.From the cone calorimeter results, it is obvious that ZnB reduced mean CO yield, total smoke release, and smoke production values. These results confirm that ZnB particles slow down the production of volatile species and promote char formation.


## 3.7. Vertical Flame Test Results

Flammability of treated fabrics was evaluated in terms of vertical flame test. Figure10 shows images of reference sample and all flame retardant treated fabric samples. Test results are given in Table 7. In terms of flammability, favourable results were obtained for polyester fabrics treated with commercial flame retardants. Samples treated only with ZnB, namely, Z50 and Z100, completely burned but Z200 did not completely burn due to higher amount of ZnB used. Increasing the amount of ZnB applied improves the flammability of polyester fabrics. The replacement of ZnB partially with the commercial flame retardants did not further improve the flammability. After flame time and char length were increased, zinc borate was concluded to be more compatible with PEK. The incorporation in ZnB reduced the dripping behaviour and increased char formation.Table 7
Vertical flame test results of all fabric samples.
After-flame time (s) After-glow time (s) Char length (mm) Dripping REF. --- --- --- Yes Z50 --- --- --- Yes Z100 --- --- --- Yes Z200 24.7 --- 276 No PSY 3.3 0 74 Yes PSY-Z20 14.0 0 179 Yes PEK 2.3 0 67 Yes PEK-Z25 3.0 0 83 Yes PEK-Z50 4.2 0 129 YesFigure 10
Fabrics after vertical flammability test. (a) Reference fabric; (b) Z50; (c) Z100; (d) Z200; (e) PSY; (f) PSY-Z20; (g) PEK; (h) PEK-Z25; (i) PEK-Z50.
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i)


## 4. Conclusions

Particle size of zinc borate has been reduced from 9μm to 758 nm by attrition milling and further to 498.1 nm by high shear fluid processing in the presence of TSS. When sodium sulfate was added to the milling media, the measured particle size of ZnB was reduced to 139 nm as a result of the increase in overall ionic strength.When zinc borate solutions were applied to the polyester woven fabrics, the final residue increased in thermogravimetric analysis (Table4). Treatment with flame retardants PSY and PEK also led to an increase in the final residue. However, replacement of 25% of neither PSY nor PEK by ZnB resulted in a further increase in the final residue. The less amount of flame retardant agent used may be the primary cause of the reduction in final mass.Peak HRR, mean CO, TSR, and TSP values of polyester fabric samples decreased with the increasing ZnB concentration (Table6). Zinc borate protected the substrate from the transfer of oxygen and heat by forming a vitreous char layer. Substitution of zinc borate decreased the mean CO, TSR, and TSP values of samples treated with commercial phosphorus based finishing agents. Peak HRR, THR, mean CO2 values of samples treated with PSY and PEK were also reduced. However, these values could not be further improved by the substitution of zinc borate.The substitution of either PEK or PSY by zinc borate did not enhance the flammability properties of polyester fabrics as also shown by LOI and vertical flammability tests. Combination of zinc borate by organophosphorus based FR slightly reduced the LOI value and vertical flammability of the fabric but the mean CO and total smoke release values were also decreased. Therefore, PEK-ZnB combination can be preferred due to its low smoke properties and low cost. The combination of ZnB and PEK can be concluded to exhibit smoke suppressant properties. The addition of zinc borate, maintaining the amount of PEK or PSY, may enhance the fire performance. However, such add-on may impair the physical properties of polyester fabrics.



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*Source: 7150736-2019-03-07.xml*