Applied Rigaku Technologies has announced a new energy-dispersive XRF method for the analysis of phosphorus flame-retardant compound on fabric.
Application Note #1127 demonstrates the effectiveness of the Rigaku NEX QC benchtop EDXRF analyser for the analysis of phosphorus flame-retardant compounds on fabric by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
The flammability of many textiles, including easily ignitable cotton or polyester materials, necessitates that clothing fabrics be treated with flame-retardant compounds to suppress the burn rate. Phosphorus-based flame retardants have not been shown to form carcinogens during combustion, such as dioxins or furans. Work clothes, uniforms, baby clothing and other garments, therefore, are typically coated with a phosphorus compound for the purpose of flame retardancy.
During the coating and processing of treated fabrics, the flame-retardant material must be closely monitored to ensure optimum quality without incurring cost overruns due to product rejection or overuse of chemicals. The method described details the ability of the analyser to provide a quick, reliable and non-destructive means of monitoring flame-retardant concentrations throughout the entire QC process.