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/* Protective and functional treatments */
===Fire and flame===
The use of flame treatment is regulated by the provisions of building codes or other provisions for fire safety, such as for clothes for work where they can be exposed to fire and heat. Even for upholstery and curtains there is a need to provide flame treatment. In principle, all fibers of organic origin can be ignited at high temperatures, but the most important is to prevent local fires from spreading. Frequently used textile fibers, such as cotton, can have fire retardant properties by various treatments. The most common way to provide fire protection on standard textile fibers is by impregnation with chemicals which contain nitrogen and phosphorus or a combination of halogenated hydrocarbons and antimony. Phosphorus-nitrogen compounds can be wash-resistant to cellulose fibers and is also available in flame-washable polyester fibers. Halogenated hydrocarbons and antimony usually provides poor wash ability and are therefore used mainly in materials that are not going to be washed. Another relatively frequent treatment for fire protection of wool fiber and its protein is to use salts from metals such as titanium and zirconium. There are also synthetic high temperature fibers to choose as an alternative to chemical treatment.<br/>
Some flame retardants release hydrogen cyanide when set afire and can be deadlier than carbon monoxide.'''8 ''' Flame retardant chemicals can be toxic, and some are suspected carcinogens.9 In the European Union the use of certain flame retardants are banned or restricted.'''10'''
====Innovation opportunities====
DWR (durable water repellent) is a coating added to fabrics at the factory. Durable water repellents (DWRs) are applied to garments and products to allow for breathability and water repellency. Common factory-applied treatments are fluorochemicals. Certain DWRs are known to have persistent, bioaccumulative and toxicological effects on the environment. The durable water repellent coatings used in the fashion and textile industry are currently not bio-based or biodegradable. Water repellent coatings also inhibit recyclability.
=====Innovation opportunities=====
• Investigate non-fluorochemical coatings, such as silicones, polyurethane (PU) and waxes. Although these coatings are recyclable on their own, they inhibit recyclability when applied to a dissimilar base layer. These coatings have the potential for recyclability if applied to a similar base layer.'''1'''<br/>
• Work with manufacturers to create bio-based or biodegradable water repellent finishes.<br/>
• Investigate recyclable waterproofing agents. Sympatex is made of completely safe polyether/ester, a combination of polyester and polyether molecules that is reportedly recyclable if applied to a similar base layer (i.e. polyester). Sympatex contains zero fluorochemicals.'''2'''<br/>
• Investigate durable water repellents from alternative, renewable non-toxic resources, such as castor oil.
====Stain repellents====
Stain repellent finishes are used to provide stain, soil and grease release and repellency to fabrics. Fluorochemicals are the most employed repellents used for textiles. The largest concern for chemicals used for soil and stain repellent finishes is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is used in the manufacture of stain repellent finishes for textiles. PFOA is also produced indirectly through the gradual breakdown of fluorochemicals.'''3 ''' PFOA is very persistent in the environment and has been found at very low levels both in the environment and in the blood of the general U.S. population.'''4 ''' Recycling of textiles with stain repellent finishes is also very difficult. Flurochemicals are currently being phased out by major industrial users.'''5'''
=====Innovation opportunities=====
• Investigate short chain fluorocarbons that do not degrade into PFOA.<br/>
===Antimicrobials===
Antimicrobials are used in application such as socks, shoes and activewear to prevent odour caused by the breakdown of sweat. The use of organotins is often employed for antimicrobials on textiles. The organotins compound tributyltin (TBT) persists in the environment and builds up in the body. TBT is listed as a “priority hazardous substance” under European Union regulations and requires measures to be taken to eliminate its use.'''6 ''' Organotins are highly toxic to aquatic species, are persistent, moderately bioaccumulative. A recent report conducted by Greenpeace revealed organotins detected in several activewear products.'''6'''
====Innovation opportunities====
• Investigate non-toxic biodegradable alternatives to organotins.<br/>
• UV curing of chitosan as an antimicrobial finishing for textiles is a still in development, and could provide a bio-derived, non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to organotins.'''7'''<br/>
• Experiment with natural fibres that intrinsically repel odours, such as wool.
===Antistatic Treatment===
