Flame retardant fabric is a kind of fabric that has been specially treated or has flame retardant properties itself, and is widely used in fields that need fire protection and heat protection. It is mainly by changing the chemical structure of the fabric, or through a specific coating, textile process to make it flame retardant. The following is a detailed introduction to the advantages of flame retardant fabrics, their uses, and how to choose suitable styles according to the environment in which they are used.
First, the advantages of flame retardant fabric
1. Flame retardant performance
The most significant advantage of flame retardant fabrics is the ability to delay or prevent the spread of flame. Most flame retardant fabrics do not ignite quickly upon contact with a fire source or extinguish themselves after the fire is removed, providing valuable escape time.
2. High temperature resistance
Flame-retardant fabric can maintain relatively stable physical properties in high temperature environments, is not easy to deform or melt, and protects the wearer from high temperature damage.
3. Heat conduction resistance
Many flame retardant fabrics also have good heat conduction isolation effect, which can effectively slow down the transfer of heat and reduce the harm to the human body.
4. Strong durability
Flame-retardant fabrics are specially treated and are usually more wear-resistant and durable than ordinary fabrics, making them suitable for frequently used working environments.
5. Comfort
Modern flame retardant fabrics often maintain flame retardant properties at the same time, but also have better air permeability and softness, improve the comfort of wearing.
6. Environmental protection
Many flame retardant fabrics use environmentally friendly materials and production processes, do not contain harmful substances, are environmentally friendly, and meet the requirements of green environmental protection.
Second, the use of flame retardant fabric
The use of flame retardant fabric is very wide, mainly used in the following areas:
1. Fire industry
Flame retardant fabrics are used in firefighters' clothing, gloves, boots and other equipment to protect them from heat and flames while fighting fires.
2. Industrial production
In metallurgy, electric power, petrochemical and other industries, workers need to be exposed to high temperature, flame and arc and other dangerous environments, flame retardant work clothes can effectively protect them.
3. Military and Space
Flame retardant materials are used in military protective clothing, space suits, etc., which can provide better protection for soldiers and astronauts to ensure their safety in extreme environments.
4. Transportation
Flame-retardant materials are widely used in seats, interiors, aviation clothing and other transportation vehicles such as trains, aviation and navigation to enhance the safety of passengers and staff.
5. Electrical safety
In the electrical industry, especially in the working environment where high voltage and sparks may appear, flame retardant fabrics can effectively prevent the occurrence of fire accidents, and are often used in electrical work clothes, gloves, shoes, etc.
6. Home and Furniture
At present, flame retardant fabrics are also used in home, curtains, bedding, sofas, car seats and other fields, especially in public places and high-risk areas, which can effectively reduce the spread of fire.
Third, how to choose the suitable flame retardant fabric style according to the use environment
When choosing the right flame retardant fabric, it must be decided according to the specific use environment and needs. Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing:
1. Temperature and fire source type of the use environment
High temperature environment: If the staff is in a high temperature environment and may face thermal radiation or spark sputtering, you can choose a flame retardant fabric that is resistant to high temperature and has high thermal isolation performance, such as the use of high-temperature aramid fiber (such as Kevlar) or a fabric containing glass fiber.
Aramid flame retardant fabric
Direct contact with fire source: For the environment that needs to prevent direct contact with fire source (such as welding work, fire industry, etc.), fabrics with more significant flame retardant effect should be selected, usually using fibers with inherent flame retardant properties (such as flame retardant polyester, flame retardant cotton, etc.), and after special flame retardant treatment.
2. Durability and comfort
If the use of the environment requires frequent activities or long-term wear (such as firefighters, factory workers, etc.), in addition to flame retardant performance, but also need to pay attention to the durability and comfort of the fabric. Flame-retardant fabrics suitable for long-term wear are generally soft and breathable fibers, such as flame-retardant cotton or flame-retardant blended fabrics.
For some of the more special needs of the work clothes, such as aerial work, thermal welding work, etc., it is preferred to have a better combination of air permeability and fire performance of the fabric, such as polyester/cotton blended flame retardant fabric, which can maintain the flame retardant effect, but also improve the wearing comfort.
100% Cotton Flame Retardant Fabric
3. Anti-static and anti-chemical properties
Anti-static requirements: some working environments (such as flammable and explosive areas) have strict requirements for static electricity, and must choose flame retardant fabrics with anti-static function, usually using flame retardant polyester, polyamide and other materials with anti-static treatment.
98% Cotton 2% Antistatic Flame Retardant Fabric
Chemical resistance requirements: If the staff need to be exposed to toxic and harmful chemicals (such as the chemical industry), it is necessary to choose flame retardant materials that are both fire resistant and resistant to chemical corrosion, such as fabrics treated with flame retardant coatings.
100% Cotton Acid and alkali resistant flame retardant fabric
4. Appearance and function
Different work environments may have specific requirements for the appearance of clothing. For example, some industries require work wear with reflective strip designs to ensure visibility at night or in low-light environments. At this time, you can choose a flame retardant fabric with reflective strips.
For some more high-end application scenarios (such as aerospace, military equipment, etc.), it may be necessary to use customized flame retardant fabrics, combined with different functional requirements to choose.
Summary
Through special treatment or the use of materials, flame retardant fabrics can effectively provide protection in the environment where the fire source exists, and are widely used in fire fighting, industrial, electric power, military and other industries. When selecting suitable flame retardant fabric, it is necessary to consider multiple factors such as temperature, fire source type, wearing comfort, durability, and chemical resistance according to the specific requirements of the working environment, so as to select the most suitable flame retardant fabric type to ensure personnel safety and improve work efficiency.
