Atomic layer deposition on fabrics for flame resistance

An atomic layer deposition process for coating a wool-synthetic fabric sample with alumina was developed. The coating efficacy was evaluated by both internal and commercial indicative flame resistance studies. It was shown that untreated samples burnt to completion on removal of the ignition source, but in the case of the treated samples, the flame on the fabric extinguished rapidly on removal of the ignition source, leaving the sample intact after the test. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed that successful fire resistance treatment was achieved by addition of alumina with less than 1% weight of the fabric. It was concluded that the atomic layer deposition coating of oxide offered significant advantages in the area of fire resistance treatment, since in addition to its effectiveness, treated fabrics exhibit a negligible increase in weight, remained flexible, breathable and did not undergo any change in color or palpable texture.