Abstract: The invention relates to “closed loop” processes, systems and compositions for providing flame retardant properties to substrates containing at least about 5 weight percent of non-thermoplastic material, such as non-thermoplastic fibers, fibrous compositions or fabrics, and to treated substrates. The processes and systems are environmentally friendly, and advantageously conserve chemical compounds and water by recycling flame retardant composition. The processes of the invention generally comprise: (a) applying a flame retardant composition containing one or more flame retardant substances, an aqueous liquid and one or more adhesion agents to substrates; (b) removing excess flame retardant composition from the substrates; (c) permitting the substrates to dry to a low moisture content; and (d) recycling excess flame retardant composition; wherein the flame retardant composition does not contain an amount of a dye or other agent that could contaminate the flame retardant composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to “closed loop” processes, systems and compositions for providing flame retardant properties to substrates containing at least about 5 weight percent of non-thermoplastic material, such as non-thermoplastic fibers, fibrous compositions or fabrics, and to treated substrates. The processes and systems are environmentally friendly, and advantageously conserve chemical compounds and water by recycling flame retardant composition. The processes of the invention generally comprise: (a) applying a flame retardant composition containing one or more flame retardant substances, an aqueous liquid and one or more adhesion agents to substrates; (b) removing excess flame retardant composition from the substrates; (c) permitting the substrates to dry to a low moisture content; and (d) recycling excess flame retardant composition; wherein the flame retardant composition does not contain an amount of a dye or other agent that could contaminate the flame retardant composition.

Abstract: A closed-loop system and process is used for applying fire retardant chemicals to substrates including fibers, yarns, fabrics or mixtures thereof. Substrates are preferably positioned in a vessel such as a dye machine which circulates the fire retardant chemicals. After absorption of the fire retardant composition, non-absorbed fire retardant chemicals are recovered and re-used on subsequent batches of fibers. The re-use of fire retardant chemicals can take place in the same vessel which is used to treat successive batches of substrates. Alternatively, recovery can be achieved by directing the non-absorbed fire retardant composition into a second dye machine containing additional fibers, or by extracting the fire retardant composition by centrifugation or other means, or by a combination of the two processes. The process is environmentally friendly, and allows for higher throughput on impregnating fibers with fire retardant chemicals.

Abstract: A closed-loop system and process is used for applying fire retardant chemicals to fibers. Fibers are preferably positioned in a vessel such as a dye machine which circulates the fire retardant chemicals. After absorption of the fire retardant composition, non-absorbed fire retardant chemicals are recovered and re-used on subsequent batches of fibers. Recovery can be achieved by directing the non-absorbed fire retardant composition into a second dye machine containing additional fibers, or by extracting the fire retardant composition by centrifugation or other means, or by a combination of the two processes. The process is environmentally friendly, and allows for higher throughput on impregnating fibers with fire retardant chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to “closed loop” processes, systems and compositions for providing one or more flame retardant properties to, or for enhancing one or more flame retardant properties of, substrates containing at least about 5 weight percent of non-thermoplastic material, such as non-thermoplastic filaments, microfibers, fibers, fibrous compositions, threads, yarns, fabrics, textiles, materials, items of apparel, paper, tissue and/or blends, or to one or more products produced using any of the foregoing materials, and to substrates treated in accordance with the processes, systems and/or compositions of the invention.