Abstract
In the present study, fast isothermal stabilization processes for rayon precursor fabrics were performed at $350^{\circ}C$ and $400^{\circ}C$ within 3 minutes and the chemical and physical characteristics of the stabilized fabrics were investigated. In addition, rayon precursor fabrics were pre-treated with three different phosphorous-based flame retardants and then stabilized. The effect of flame retardants on the chemical composition, thermal shrinkage, weight change, thermal stability and XRD results was examined, comparing with those of the precursor fabrics. The result showed that the stabilization of rayon fabrics was most effective as the stabilization temperature was $350^{\circ}C$, the stabilization time was 3 min, and the pre-treatment with phosphoric acid of 1 vol%. The carbon contents of stabilized rayon fabrics were increased with increasing stabilization temperature and time, whereas the oxygen contents were decreased. Also, it is likely that the pre-treatment with phosphoric acid plays a role in retarding the change of chemical structure of rayon fabric. The XRD result was quite consistent with the result showing the effect of phosphoric acid on the chemical composition, thermal shrinkage and weight reduction of rayon fabric.