UV radiation induced flame retardant cellulose fiber by using polyvinylphosphonic acid/carbon nanotube composite coating

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were stabilized on a cotton surface using vinylphosphonic acid monomer as a crosslinking agent and benzophenone as a catalyst. The influence of CNTs and polyvinylphosphonic on the thermal properties and flammability of the cellulose fiber was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA), horizontal flammability test (HFT), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The possible interactions between CNTs, polyvinylphosphonic acid and cellulose at the surface were elucidated by the FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicated that polyvinylphosphonic/CNT nanocomposite improves the thermal stability and decreases the flammability of the substrate.