Living radical polymerization and grafting of diethyl (acryloyloxy) ethylthiophosphoramidate onto cotton fabric to impart flame retardancy

A novel phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur containing monomer, diethyl (acryloyloxy) ethylthiophosphoramidate was synthesized in a two step reaction. The monomer was polymerized and grafted onto cotton fabric by the living radical polymerization method using benzyl N,N-diethyl thiocarbamate as iniferter and sur-iniferter respectively. The monomer, its precursor, iniferter and the polymer were characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Flame retardant property of the modified cotton fabric was studied by the Shirley Manual Flammability Tester and it was found that the incorporation of phosphorus and nitrogen together exerts a synergistic effect in imparting flame retarding property to the fabric.