Influence of Zirconium Oxide on Thermal Degradation and Flame Retardancy of Viscose Fibers
We have investigated the effect of zirconium oxide on the thermal degradation and flame retardancy of viscose fibers. ZrO2/cellulose fiber was prepared by wet spinning. Combustion behaviour and flammability were assessed using the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and thermogravimetric analysis from ambient temperature to 800°C and cone calorimetry. LOI results showed that the ZrO2 increased the LOI of viscose fiber from 20% to 26%, which showed that ZrO2 particles had a positive effect on cellulose flame-retardancy. Results from thermogravimetric analysis (TG) indicated that the ZrO2/cellulose fibers produced greater quantities of residues than viscose fibers. The combustion residues were examined using the scanning electron microscopy, indicating that ZrO2/cellulose fiber produced consistent, thick residues. Cone calorimetry indicated that heat release rate and total heat release values of ZrO2/cellulose fiber were less than those of viscose fibers.