Thermal properties of wool fabric treated by phosphorus-doped silica sols through sol-gel method

Wool fabric was treated with silica sol and phosphorus doped silica sol by sol-gel method in order to improve its thermal properties and flame retardance. The thermal stability, combustion behavior, and smoke suppression of the control and finished wool fabric were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis, limited ox- ygen index, micro combustion calorimeter, and smoke chamber. The results showed that wool fabric treated by phosphorus doped silica sol had excellent thermal properties and flame retardance with higher final char residue and LOI value. Furthermore, heat release rate and smoke density results indicated the safety performance of the treated wool fabric on fire.