In the field of textiles, flame retardant performance is one of the important criteria for evaluating the safety of fabrics, especially in some industries with high safety requirements such as fire, aerospace, and industrial overalls. According to the source of flame retardant properties of fabrics, flame retardant fabrics are usually divided into two categories: inherently flame retardant fabrics and post-finished flame retardant fabrics. Although both have certain flame retardancy, their properties, effects and service life are different.
1. Inherently flame retardant fabric
Inherent Flame Retardant Fabric
Definition: Inherently flame retardant fabrics refer to those fabrics that naturally possess flame retardant properties in the molecular structure of their fibers. In the production process of these fabrics, the selected raw materials themselves have flame retardant properties, or through a special process to directly add flame retardant components into the fiber, so that the fabric essentially has flame retardant properties.
Features:
Strong durability: The flame retardant performance of the inherent flame retardant fabric is achieved by changing the chemical structure of the fiber, so its flame retardant performance can remain stable during the entire service cycle of the fabric, and the physical effects such as washing and friction have less impact on it.
Non-toxic and harmless: Inherently flame retardant materials usually do not contain chemicals that are harmful to the human body, so they are safer to wear.
Better comfort: Because the flame retardant component is inherent in the fiber, the inherent flame retardant fabric is usually softer, more comfortable, suitable for making work clothes and other daily wear clothing.
High cost: Due to the need to select special flame retardant fibers or technologies, the production cost of inherently flame retardant fabrics is generally higher.
Application example:
Flame retardant work clothes: such as firefighters clothing, industrial protective clothing, etc.;
Flame-retardant household products: such as flame-retardant sheets, curtains, etc.
Aerospace industry: pilot uniforms and aircraft seats, etc.
Inherent Flame Retardant Fabric IIA
2. Finish flame-retardant fabric
Definition: Post-finishing flame retardant fabric means that after the completion of textile production, the flame retardant is coated or impregnated into the fabric surface or fiber through chemical treatment, thus giving the fabric flame retardant properties. Finished flame retardants are usually chemical additives that provide flame retardant protection by reacting with the fiber surface to form a film or by penetrating into the fiber interior.
100%Cotton After Finishing Flame Retardant Fabric
Features:
Limited flame retardant effect: The flame retardant of the finished flame retardant fabric mainly depends on the coating or impregnated flame retardant, so with the loss of washing, friction and other use process, the flame retardant performance may gradually decline.
Lower cost: Compared with inherently flame retardant fabrics, the production cost of post-finished flame retardant fabrics is lower because its flame retardant treatment can be carried out on the basis of conventional textiles and is usually suitable for mass production.
Potential risks to the human body and the environment: Partially finished flame retardants may have adverse effects on the human body or the environment, especially some flame retardants containing toxic chemicals (such as halogens, phosphorus flame retardants). Although the existing technology has greatly improved this aspect of the problem, but still need to pay attention to the composition and safety of flame retardants.
Comfort may be poor: Because the post-finishing flame retardant usually forms a protective film on the surface of the fabric, it may make the fabric feel more rough and stiff, affecting the wearing comfort.
Application example:
General work clothes: such as some low-cost fireproof clothing, curtains in public places, furniture fabrics, etc.
Home textile products: such as flame retardant sand release, flame retardant sheets, etc.
3. The main difference between inherent flame retardant fabric and post-finishing flame retardant fabric
Features |
Inherent flame retardant fabric |
After finishing flame retardant fabric |
Flame retardant performance |
Permanent, with the use of time is not easy to reduce |
Flame retardant performance is affected, with washing, friction and so on gradually reduced |
Durability |
High, washing resistance, wear resistance |
Low, flame retardants will fail with time and use |
Cost |
High |
Low |
Comfort |
Good, because the flame retardant component is inside the fiber, the feel is soft |
Poor, and the flame retardant coating may make the fabric more stiff |
Safety |
Safer, non-toxic and harmless |
May contain harmful chemical components, need to pay attention to the choice of flame retardants |
Application scenarios |
High-end industries or products exposed to high risk environments for a long time |
General daily or low-cost fire protection products |
4. Conclusion
Inherent flame retardant fabric and finished flame retardant fabric have their advantages and disadvantages. Inherently flame retardant fabrics are superior in terms of flame retardant performance and durability, and are suitable for industries requiring high safety standards and scenarios for long-term use, but at a higher cost. Post-finished flame retardant fabrics provide a relatively economical choice, suitable for environments with less stringent flame retardant performance requirements, but it is necessary to pay attention to its flame retardant effect and safety after a long time of use.
The choice of which type of flame retardant fabric needs to be considered according to the specific use needs, budget and safety requirements.
