Improving the flame retardancy of natural fibres

Abstract Protecting flammable textiles against fire is extremely important. Textiles are widely used and very often they are subject to incidental fire. Commonly used natural fibres generally represent two categories: lignocellulosic (cotton, flax, jute, ramie, hemp, sisal, etc.) and protein (wool, silk, leather). This chapter discusses the main requirements for flame retardancy and the methods used to provide resistance of fibres and textiles to fire. The two main types of flame retardancy of fabrics – non-durable and durable – are discussed. The chapter also looks at the primary applications of flame retardants (FRs) such as uniforms for fire-fighting personnel, armed forces and police, protective clothing for workers, home furnishing, and industrial and barrier uses. Lately there has been growing use of flexible intumescent back coatings. Future trends include nanostructured FRs, functionalization of natural fibres by substitution of reactive groups decreasing flammability, and the use of genetic engineering to obtain transgenic lignocellulosic and protein fibres.