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Investigation of Sustainable Flame-Retardant Coatings for Nylon-Cotton Fabric

AJAS · 2026

Alexander Choi · New Jersey Academy of Science

Overview

Nylon-cotton (NYCO) fabric is widely used in military and workwear applications but is highly flammable due to the "scaffold effect," where molten nylon sustains combustion. Conventional fire retardants can curtail this effect, but at the same time they release toxic fumes, necessitating a safer alternative. This study investigates wastewater-recycled struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O) as a sustainable, bio-safe fire retardant, alone or combined with tannic acid (TA). Struvite provides phosphate groups that phosphorylate cotton fibers, inhibiting volatile gas production during combustion, while TA forms hydrogen bonds with fabric fibers, enhancing char formation. Using a dip-coating method followed by curing, NYCO fabrics were treated with struvite and TA and tested using a modified ASTM D-6413 vertical flame testing procedure. Results demonstrated that struvite-treated fabrics exhibited less overall burning and lower combustion temperatures compared to untreated NYCO. This method not only enhances fire resistance but also promotes phosphorus recycling, addressing environmental concerns. By developing a durable, eco-friendly flame retardant, this study provides a viable alternative for improving textile safety in both military and civilian applications.

Competition history

  • AJAS 2026 Category not listed

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Source: AAAS Annual Meeting (Confex) / American Junior Academy of Science

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