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Polyphosphazene derivatives are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly character and high content of flame-retardant components. Herein, a polyphosphazene derivative (PZAF) microsphere was successfully synthesized utilizing an in-situ template approach, which was then employed as an additive flame retardant in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to improve the fire safety. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that PZAF promoted the pyrolysis of PET in advance to generate a stable char layer that protects the matrix from heat, consequently increasing char residues. With addition of 10 wt% PZAF, the PET nanocomposites obtained a V-0 grade in vertical combustion test and its LOI value increased from 24.2 vol% to 32.1 vol%. Moreover, the peak heat release and carbon monoxide production decreased by 46.6% and 50.6%, respectively. This was because the phosphonic acid fragments and pyridine ring compounds produced by the PZAF pyrolysis encouraged the development of a robust char layer. Meanwhile, the •PO radicals generated by the pyrolysis of PZAF could capture free radicals in the gas phase, ultimately ending the chain reaction of combustion. Also, mechanical properties of the PET nanocomposites were noticeably enhanced by the addition of 3 or 5 wt% PZAF.

A novel low add-on dyeing process of cotton fabric with C.I. Reactive Black 5 has been implemented successfully with the assistance of dye-jet ejector units to produce precise wet pick-up ranging from 20% to 50%. The steaming process of the low add-on technology was investigated through evaluating the effects of relative humidity, steaming temperature, steaming time and water ratio on the surface temperature of the wet fabric and their influence on the dye properties, as well as the effect of the wet pick-up on dye properties. The optimal dyeing process was also conducted, including build-up properties and the concentrations of the alkaline agent and the electrolyte via the evaluation of the color strength ( K/ S value) and dye fixation rate. A comparison was made between the novel low add-on dyeing process and conventional dyeing process by assessing the dye properties, color shade and color levelness. The results indicated that the fabric dyed with the low add-on process had excellent washing fastness, rubbing fastness, a similar color shade and superior levelness in comparison with conventional one-bath pad-steam dyeing.

Low-emitting cotton fabric with low infrared emissivity near to 0.795 at the wavebands of 8–14 µm was prepared using mesoporous carbon-aluminum doped zinc oxide (C-AZO) coatings. The effects of binders, the content of C-AZO composites, coating thickness and roughness of fabrics on the infrared emissivity were investigated. Results showed that the emissivity firstly decreased, and then gradually reached a stable and lowest value as the content of C-AZO composites and coating thickness increased. The lowest infrared emissivity of coated fabric was obtained when the content of C-AZO composites was around 40 wt% with coating thickness over 300 µm. Moreover, infrared transparent binders and a smooth surface were found to reduce the infrared emissivity. The coated fabric with infrared emissivity of 0.795 could be matched in the surroundings of withered grass or rock under the condition of no sunshine.

Nano ZnO crystal in-situ growth on SiO2 nano sol-coated cotton fabric via a reaction between Zn(NO3)2 and (CH 2)6N4 through a low-temperature hydrothermal method was studied. The effects of hydrothermal reaction conditions and SiO 2 nano sol coating on the size and crystalline perfection of nano ZnO, and the UV protection property of the fabric were investigated. The optimal treatment conditions for the highest Zn content and the best ZnO crystalline perfection on the fabric surface were obtained. Under optimal conditions, the cotton fabric was covered with 25 to 30 nm diameter ZnO crystallites and had an excellent UV-blocking property.

Lamellar magnesium hydroxide crystals were prepared successfully on the surface of polysulfonamide fibers with carboxylic acid groups. The polysulfonamide fabrics with Mg(OH)2 crystals were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy, Inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometer X-ray diffraction, Vertical flammability test and Thermalgravimetric analysis. The vertical flammability test showed that the damaged length of original polysulfonamide fabrics was 34mm, while that of the polysulfonamide fabrics with Mg(OH)2 crystals (treated by 7.5% NaOH solutions) was 14mm. In addition, the Mg (OH)2 crystals played a critical role in the improvement of thermal stability and heat insulation of polysulfonamide fabrics.