Comparison between the selected hydroxides of groups IA and IIA as flame retardants for cotton fabrics

A comparative effect of selected hydroxides of groups IA and IIA on the flammability of a cotton fabric has been studied. The optimum loading of an alkali metal hydroxide required to retard the flame diminishes with increasing its molecular weight, while the opposite situation is observed for alkaline earth hydroxides. Explanation of these results is suggested with due regard for the thermal analysis data and existing theories of flame retardation.