Solid-state branching and/or crosslinking of aliphatic polyamide or polyester articles is achieved using a topical approach. A surface of the article is coated with a composition that includes a polyene and a free radical initiator. The article and applied coating are then heated to induce branching and/or crosslinking in the polyamide or polyester. This is performed below the crystalline melting temperature of the polyamide or polyester, or in the case of a fabric, below the melting temperature of the fibers in the fabric. Fabrics treated in this manner exhibit reduced or even no dripping in vertical flame tests.

Solid-state branching and/or crosslinking of aliphatic polyamide or polyester articles is achieved using a topical approach. A surface of the article is coated with a composition that includes a polyene and a free radical initiator. The article and applied coating are then heated to induce branching and/or crosslinking in the polyamide or polyester. This is performed below the crystalline melting temperature of the polyamide or polyester, or in the case of a fabric, below the melting temperature of the fibers in the fabric. Fabrics treated in this manner exhibit reduced or even no dripping in vertical flame tests.