AbstractElectron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) has been successfully used to determine the location of flame‐retardant polymers or reagents and crosslinking and oil/water‐repellent reagents in relation to fiber surfaces of chemically modified cotton fabrics and cotton/polyester blends. Changes in intensity of characteristic ESCA element signals were followed as the particle size of the treated fabric varied. Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and the flame‐retardant polymer formed from tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (Thpc) and urea penetrate and are homogeneously deposited throughout cotton fabrics. The oil/water‐repellent finish, FC‐218, and the flame retardants from the THPOH/NH3reaction and tris(dibromopropyl) phosphate are deposited on the surfaces of both cotton and polyest
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