Flammability and combustion properties of ammonium polyphosphate-/ poly(acrylic acid)-based layer by layer architectures deposited on cotton, polyester and their blends

Layer by layer architectures consisting of four layer repetitive unit (QL) based on poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride)/poly(acrylic acid)/ poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride)/ammonium polyphosphate have been deposited on cotton, polyester and their blends in order to promote the formation of an aromatic and stable carbonaceous structure (char) during combustion. The LbL-treated fabrics have been subjected to flammability (reaction to flame application) and combustion (reaction to different external heat fluxes) tests. The coatings were able to remarkably enhance the char formation of each substrate just after 1QL deposition; furthermore, 5 and 10QL assemblies have favoured the formation of intumescent-like structures with further improvement of the final residue. As a consequence, the treated fabrics have shown a strong reduction of the flammability (afterglow and incandescent melt dripping suppression) and combustion (reduced heat released). Infrared spectroscopy has pointed out the aromatic nature of the residues left after the combustion.