Nonlinear imaging and vibrational spectroscopic analysis of cellulosic fibres treated with COEX® flame-retardant for tapestry preservation.

Cellulose-based fabrics are widely used in the preservation and storage of historic tapestries. Their ease of flammability is a serious concern that greatly limits their applications and requires the development of effective and safe flame-retardant treatments. In this work, we analysed linen and cotton textile samples before and after COEX® treatment, a patented green technology imparting anti-flame properties by functionalizing the cellulose molecules with phosphorus and sulphur groups.