Eco-friendly, efficient and durable flame retardant lyocell fabrics prepared via a feasible grafting of taurine.

Inspired by alkaline oxidative degradation of cellulose, a novel eco-friendly scenario for preparation of flame retardant lyocell fabrics was developed by the chemical grafting of biomass taurine. FTIR and XPS results verified the establishment of a covalent bond between taurine and lyocell fabric. Thermogravimetric analysis and vertical combustion test proved the improved char-forming ability and flame resistance of the grafted fabric. The THR and pHRR of the finished fabric were successfully reduced by 67.3 % and 89.9 % respectively after modification. In addition, after 50 wash cycles, the LOI value of the grafted fabric was maintained at 29.5 %. The gas-phase and condensed-phase flame retardant mechanisms were proposed from the analyses of pyrolysis gaseous products and char residue of the modified fabrics. The modification process is simple to operate and provides a feasible green flame retardant strategy for flammable lyocell fabrics. [Display omitted] • Carbonyl groups are produced via alkaline oxidation degradation of cellulose. • Taurine was introduced to the cellulose molecule via a Schiff base reaction. • The grafted taurine endowed cellulose good flame retardancy. • The preparation process was eco-friendly and cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]