Textile Term: Flame Retardant
Flame retardants are chemicals that are used to reduce the flammability of textiles, making them less susceptible to catching fire or to slow down the spread of flames. Flame retardants can be added to a variety of materials, including synthetic and natural fibers, in order to meet safety standards for flammability.
There are several different types of flame retardants that can be used in textiles, including halogenated compounds, phosphorus-based compounds, and nitrogen-based compounds. Some flame retardants work by releasing gases that cool the fabric and reduce the amount of oxygen available to support combustion, while others create a char layer on the surface of the fabric that helps to prevent flames from spreading.
While flame retardants can help to improve the safety of textiles, there are also concerns about their potential health and environmental effects.
Some flame retardants have been linked to negative health outcomes, such as cancer and developmental issues, and can also accumulate in the environment and have harmful effects on wildlife. As a result, there is ongoing research and discussion about the use of flame retardants in textiles and the development of safer alternatives.
