Ozone, widely recognized as an environmentally friendly gas, is extensively used in various textile industry applications. These include pre-treatment processes like bleaching and desizing, as well as creating pattern and vintage effects, wastewater clarification, and surface modification. This study focuses on ozone as a novel solution to a specific challenge: addressing the reduction in flame retardancy properties experienced by flame-retardant (FR) polyester fabrics during post-treatment processes in the production line. Experimentation involved subjecting the fabrics to ozonation and exploring different combinations of ozone flow rates and treatment durations. Mechanical and functional properties of the fabrics were examined, with flammability tested according to International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. Notably, treatment with a 5 L/min ozone flow rate, a 7.01 g/h ozone concentration ratio, and a duration of 10 min showed significant improvements in IMO values, ensuring compliance with required standards. Furthermore, treated samples underwent comprehensive tests for fastness and strength, yielding results within acceptable ranges. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements were conducted to evaluate the impact of ozonation. FT-IR results indicated that the presence of C-H groups associated with dyestuff contributed to decreased flame retardancy in the original fabric post-dyeing. However, these groups were effectively eliminated through ozonation, thereby enhancing the fabric's flame retardancy.
Keywords: IMO; flame retardant (FR); flammability; ozone; polyester.