Multi-component flame resistant coating techniques for textiles

This chapter describes traditional and novel processes for the surface modification of natural and synthetic fibres and fabrics, with the aim of improving their flame retardancy properties. The formation of novel and smart flame retardant coatings onto the surface of fibres (or fabrics) could make them suitable for high performance applications. Back-coating, a traditional approach still used in the field of textiles for imparting flame retardancy to fibres and fabrics, is described and compared to such novel approaches as sol-gel processes, nanoparticle impregnation/exhausting, layer-by-layer assembly and plasma deposition. The advantages of such approaches in terms of the flame retardancy properties achieved are highlighted together with the possibility of conferring other novel effects such as hydrophobicity, soil release, self-cleaning and bioactivity.