Researchers from theUSDA develop cotton lines that are naturally fire resistant
AGDAILY reporters*
Image : USDA ARS
Researchers from the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture created four cotton lines which can be used to make textiles that are self-extinguishing when exposed to fire. The hope is that these cotton lines will reduce the need to incorporate flame retardant chemicals into consumer products.
The new cotton lines were developed from cultivated varieties and provided with a new flame retardant trait. When exposed to an open flame, fabric from the new cotton lines self-extinguishes, unlike regular cotton fabric, which fully burns out in seconds.
« Using these lines to develop commercial cultivars creates an opportunity to improve the safety of cotton products while reducing the economic and environmental impacts of chemical flame retardants. said Mr. Brian Condon, lead author of the study published in PLOS ONE and retired head of research of the research unit ARS on the chemistry and use of cotton in New Orleans. ” These lines will greatly benefit growers and consumers. »
Cotton typically produces flammable fibers and is treated with chemicals to be flame retardant when used for consumer products like clothing, mattresses, upholstery, and rugs. The new cotton lines were created through a multi-parent breeding approach which gave rise to new opportunities for natural genes to interact and develop the unexpected characteristic of flame retardancy.
The video below shows that in a standard flammability test with a 45 degree tilt, regular cotton (top) burns instantly when exposed to an open flame. In the same test, the flame resistant cotton (bottom) self-extinguished when exposed to an open flame.
THE researchers of theARS Johnie Jenkins and Jack C. McCarty, supervising genetic researchers at the Research Unit of theARS on Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture in Mississippi, selected cotton lines to identify genes that affect agronomic traits such as yield and pest resistance and fiber quality traits such as length, strength and finesse.
« The scientists of theARS study every step of cotton production, from land to shirt, including genetic diversity, field management practices, fiber quality attributes, and end-use textile characteristics said Mr. Jenkins.
Although all cotton parent lines produced flammable tissues, the researchers found that flame retardancy did not come from a single gene. Rather, they found that multiple genes created a phenotype for fibers with significantly lower heat release abilities. The new cotton lines also possessed desired agronomic and fiber quality characteristics, making them desirable lines for selection and consumer use.
« We focus on fabric quality and chemical finishes that create permanently ironed, wrinkle-resistant and flame-retardant fabrics. We have now found lines with a new and natural genetic mechanism for flame retardation said Mr. Condon.
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* Source : USDA researchers develop naturally fire-resistant cotton lines | AGDAILY