Abstract
An investigation is being undertaken into the influence of flame retardant type on the pyrolytic degradation of cotton (cellulose) fabrics in air over the temperature range 300–100°C. Thermal analysis techniques (TGA and DSC), detailed evolved gas analysis and extent of char formation measurements have all been utilised. The information obtained is used to develop a detailed model for the pyrolytic degradation of cellulose in air and the influence of flame retardants thereon. This paper reports the use of differential scanning calorimetry to further investigate the proposed CELLULOSE → CELLULOSE* transition.