Abstract: Presently, multifunctional carboxylic acids, such as 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) are used to bond a hydroxyl-functional organophosphorous oligomer to cotton fabric in the presence of a catalyst, such as sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2). However, the free carboxylic acid groups bound to the cotton fabric form a calcium salt during home laundering, thus diminishing the flame retardant properties of the treated cotton fabric. Disclosed herein is a new catalyst system consisting of hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2) and a nitrogen-containing organic base such as triethanol amine (TEA). When the catalyst system is present together with the polycarboxylic acid, TEA esterifies the free carboxylic acid groups under curing conditions, thus reducing calcium concentration on the fabric during home laundering. It also provides nitrogen-phosphorous synergism to enhance the flame retardant performance of the organophosphorous compound.

Abstract: The strength properties of paper are improved by treating the paper with a hydroxy-containing polymer, a multifunctional aldehyde and a catalyst. The multifunctional aldehyde is present at a concentration of about 50% to about 800% weight percent of the polymer, the catalyst is present at a weight ratio of between about 1:0.1 to about 1:2 multifunctional aldehyde:catalyst and the total weight of the polymer, aldehyde and catalyst is between about 0.1% to about 10% based on the dry weight of the paper.

Abstract: An aqueous finishing composition for cellulose-containing materials, comprising a hydroxyalkyl-functional organophosphorus flame retardant (which contains a substantially non-volatile component at the curing temperature) and a non-formaldehyde cross-linking agent (such as a polycarboxylic acid cross-linking agent), and the materials treated with such a composition. Optional ingredients for the aqueous finishing composition include a cross-linking catalyst and/or an inexpensive saturated alpha-hydroxy polycarboxylic acid such as citric acid (partial replacement of a more expensive preferred polycarboxylic acid will reduce finishing costs).

Abstract: An aqueous finishing composition for cellulose-containing materials, comprising a hydroxyalkyl-functional organophosphorus flame retardant (which contains a substantially non-volatile component at the curing temperature) and a non-formaldehyde cross-linking agent (such as a polycarboxylic acid cross-linking agent), and the materials treated with such a composition. Optional ingredients for the aqueous finishing composition include a cross-linking catalyst and/or an inexpensive saturated alpha-hydroxy polycarboxylic acid such as citric acid (partial replacement of a more expensive preferred polycarboxylic acid will reduce finishing costs).