Thermal stability, flame retardancy and mechanical properties of cotton fabrics treated with inorganic coatings synthesized through sol-gel processes

► Cotton fabrics were sol-gel treated employing different metal alkoxide precursors (tetraethylortho-silicate, titanate, zirconate and aluminium isopropylate). ► Aim of the work was to investigate the thermal stability, flammability, combustion and mechanical behaviour of sol-gel treated fabrics. ► All the formed oxidic phases turned out to be very efficient in enhancing thermal and fire stability of cotton fabrics. ► The proposed flame retardant finishes do not cause mechanical undesirable changes, while strongly increase cotton abrasion resistance.