Accelerated weathering of polyaramid and polybenzimidazole firefighter protective clothing fabrics

Davis, Rick D.; Chin, Jik; Lin, Chiao–Chi; Petit, Sylvain

doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2010.05.029

Cited by 61 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…This selection of experimental fabrics allows us to study the effect of fiber blend, finishing processes including water repellent coating and pigmentation of melamine containing OS fabrics on protective performance of environmentally stressed OS fabrics. UV irradiation experiments were conducted as previously described [7]. Fabric specimens having approximate dimensions of 10.2 cm × 7.6 cm (4 in × 3 in) were exposed to high UV irradiance in the NIST integrating sphere-based weathering device, referred to as SPHERE (Simulated Photodegradation via High Energy Radiant Exposure).…”

Section: Fabricsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Heat resistance and thermal properties of these fibers are comparable to inherently fire resistant fibers traditionally used in OS fabrics. OS fabrics containing blends of aramid fibers have been studied in detail and extensively reported [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. However, few studies have been carried out and reported in the literature on OS fabrics containing melamine fibers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), we have been studying effects of accelerated weathering on performance of OS fabrics [7,11]. The main aim of this study is to improve guidelines for the retirement of firefighters turnout gear.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The main aim of this study is to improve guidelines for the retirement of firefighters turnout gear. In the first phase of this work, accelerated weathering of polyaramid and polybenzimidazole outer shell (OS) fabrics was studied and reported [7]. OS fabrics were exposed to simulated ultraviolet (UV) radiation at 50 °C and 50 % relative humidity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…OS fabrics were exposed to simulated ultraviolet (UV) radiation at 50 °C and 50 % relative humidity. The aging performance profile (APP), which is the deterioration of properties as a function of time, suggested that 13 d continuous exposure (equating to 6.6 years of turnout gear exposure to UV radiation under natural conditions of usage) to the conditions mentioned above caused significant deterioration in the mechanical performance of OS fabrics [7]. Environmental stress factors that affect the durability of turnout gear include temperature, UV radiation, moisture, abrasion, and laundering.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Accelerated Weathering of Firefighter Protective Clothing Containing Melamine Fiber Blends

Nazaré¹,

Flynn²,

Davis³

et al. 2012

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In this study, the mechanical properties critical to the protective performance of firefighter turnout gear were evaluated in environmentally stressed outer shell (OS) fabrics containing melamine fiber blends. Environmental stress factors that affect the durability of turnout gear include temperature, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, moisture, abrasion, and laundering. The effect of fiber blend, fabric construction, and finishing processes including water repellent coatings and pigmented melamine-containing OS fabrics were also studied. Melamine-containing OS fabrics show comparable thermal protective performance and have superior tear resistance when compared to the traditionally used polyaramid blends.This study reveals that the thermal protective protection (TPP) rating of fabric assemblies incorporating environmentally stressed OS fabrics containing melamine fiber blends is well above the NFPA minimum TPP requirement of 35 Cal/cm 2 . However, the tear strength (measured using ASTM D 5587 standard test method ) of all melamine-containing OS fabrics exposed to environmental stresses was observed to have significantly deteriorated, and most OS fabrics, depending on fiber blend and fabric structure, would fail to meet requirements of NFPA 1971 standard. The study thus suggests that environmental stressing has a more detrimental impact on the tear strength than the thermal protective performance of OS fabrics. Deterioration in tear strength of all UV exposed OS fabrics is largely due to photodegradation of constituent fibers. Changes in tear strength of OS fabrics subjected to thermal exposures and laundering is cumulative effect of loss in tensile strength of single yarns and dimensional stability of the fabric itself. Furthermore, finishing treatments affect performance properties of fabric by increasing fiber packing factor in yarn, changing yarn crimp and yarn spacing thereby making dimensional changes to the fabric. Surface coatings alter tear resistance of fabric by influencing yarn slippage and fabric rigidity. Fabrics dyed with black and dark blue dyes cause less UV degradation of fibers than bright yellow and brown dyes.

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Section: Fabricsmentioning

confidence: 99%