Nature-based flame-retardant finish for cotton fabric using Banana pseudostem saps

This study investigated the potential of eco-friendly substances, namely Banana pseudostem sap (BPS) and phytic acid (PA), to enhance the flame-retardant properties of cotton fabric. The process involved applying various concentrations of BPS (100%, 200%, 300% and 400%) to pre-mordanted scoured-bleached cotton fabric. The treated fabrics were then analyzed for vertical flammability and LOI (limiting oxygen index). Results revealed that fabrics treated with a 400% concentration of BPS showed exceptional flame-retardant properties, with an LOI of 27.5%, compared to the control fabric, which had an LOI of 18.3%, representing a significant increase of 1.5 times. In the vertical flammability test, the BPS-treated fabric burned briefly and self-extinguished. In contrast, the control fabric exhibited sustained burning, with the treated fabric burning nearly 5 times slower, propagating at 26.5 mm/min. SEM images showed the deposition of flame-retardant finishes on the fabric surfaces. FTIR and EDX were employed to identify chemical entities in the fabric. Importantly, post-treatment evaluation of tensile strength and breaking elongation indicated no significant changes in the cotton fabrics, reassuring the quality of the fabric. These findings highlighted the potential utility of BPS and phytic acid as effective flame-retardant agents for cotton fabrics, offering promising avenues for sustainable textile manufacturing.