Background

Clothing fabrics for work clothes, uniforms, baby clothing and other uses can be coated with a phosphorus compound for the purpose of flame retardancy. Bromine and antimony are typically no longer used in clothing due to the toxicity of these heavier elements, but can still be used in heavier textiles such as draperies, carpet and mattress materials. During the coating and processing of treated fabrics, the flame retardant material must be closely monitored to ensure optimum quality without incurring cost overruns due to product rejection or overuse of chemicals. EDXRF is an excellent measurement method. Quick and simple, EDXRF offers the QC technicians a reliable means of monitoring flame retardant concentrations throughout the entire QC process.