Description:
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.