Preparation of flame retardant wool using zirconium acetate optimized by CCD

The thermal degradation of wool treated with the flame retardant synergistic system, zirconium acetate, citric acid and formic acid, was studied by thermal analysis, mass loss, limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical flame test. The surfaces of the wool samples were observed by SEM. The treated wool samples show an increase in the temperature of decomposition, residual mass and LOI in comparison with the untreated wool. The central composite design (CCD) was used for the experimental plan with four variables on the results of flame retardancy. Statistical analysis confirms the optimum conditions obtained by the experimental results.

► We investigate effect of ZrAc and formic acid on the flame retardancy of wool fabric.
► The response surface methodology uses for the experimental plan.
► The thermal degradation studies by thermal analysis, LOI and vertical flame test.
► The fabric surfaces observe by SEM.
► Results show an increase in the decomposition temperature, residual mass and LOI.