Thermal properties and decomposition products of modified cotton fibers by TGA, DSC, and Py–GC/MS

The thermal properties and pyrolysis decomposition paths of cotton fibers modified by different chemical treatments, a conventional functionalization with silane and a novel sulphation-phosphorylation approach, were studied. The effects on the fibers thermal behavior and decomposition products were investigated. The cotton fibers were characterized before and after the surface treatments by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and pyrolysis/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py/GC–MS). Morphological investigation was also performed by SEM/EDS analysis to assess the treatment effects on the cotton fibers’ surface. The silanization increases the cotton hydrophobicity and thermal stability, changing the pyrolysis mechanism, favoring depolymerization over dehydration and charring. On the contrary, sulphationphosphorylation methods cause a decrease in the onset temperature and an increase of fire resistance, and charring yield. Thermal decomposition temperatures, weight losses, and pyrolysis mechanisms and products, were fully analyzed. The results can open the way on the use of modified cotton fibers in industrial fields where fireproofing is strongly desired.