Exploring the efficacy of eco-friendly flame-retardant finish for cotton fabric using Banana Pseudostem saps and phytic acid

Abstract This study investigated the potential of eco-friendly substances, namely Banana PseudostemSap (BPS) and phytic acid (PA), to enhance the flame-retardant properties of cotton fabric. The process involved applying various concentrations of BPS to pre-mordanted bleached cotton fabric. The treated fabrics were then analyzed for vertical flammability and LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index). Notably, fabrics treated with a 400% concentration of BPS showed exceptional flame-retardant properties. They achieved a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 27.5, while the control fabric had an LOI of 18.0, with a significant increase of 1.5 times. In the vertical flammability test, the BPS-treated fabric burned briefly and self-extinguished. In contrast, the control fabric exhibited sustained burning, with the treated fabric burning nearly 5 times slower, propagating at 30 mm/min. SEM results revealed the deposition of flame-retardant finishes on the fabric surfaces. FTIR and EDX were employed to identify chemical entities in the fabric. Importantly, post-treatment evaluation of tensile strength and breaking elongation revealed no significant changes in the cotton fabrics, reassuring the quality of the fabric. These findings underscore the potential utility of BPS and phytic acid as effective flame-retardant agents for cotton fabrics, offering promising avenues for sustainable textile manufacturing.