Application of Oligomers with Urea Linkage as Flame Retardant and Antibacterial Materials in Jute Fabric

In this study, the application of mixed oligomers containing urea linkage as flame retardant and antibacterial agent in jute fabric was investigated. The mixed oligomers were produced using various molar ratios of urea and other inorganic acids such as sulfamic and phosphorous acid at a specific temperature. The reactions occurred in melt state in the temperature range of 130-150 °C. An aqueous solution of 50% of products was applied to the jute fabric with 80% wet pick up, then dried at 80 °C and cured at 170 °C for 2 min. The chemical structures of the new materials were studied using FTIR. The SEM micrograph of the surface of the specimens was presented along with the elemental analysis information using EDAX technique. The thermal decomposition analysis results by applying DSC and TGA techniques were also reported. The limited oxygen index of treated samples showed high level of fire resistant improvement with desirable wash durability. Antibacterial properties of treated samples were indicated against Staphyloccus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. In conclusion, it was found that the amount of phosphorus plays a significant role in antibacterial and flame retardant performance of jute fabric. The high level of limited oxygen index (0.41%) was measured for sample treated with the compounds prepared from 2 moles sulfamic acid, 3 moles phosphorous acid, and 8 moles of urea.