Flame resistant fibres and fabrics

Flame resistant fibres and fabrics are used in the manufacture of garments which provide protection against such hazards as fires, electrical arcs and molten metal splashes. They are designed primarily for use in outer garments for three key applications: industrial workwear; firefighters? apparel; and professional motor racing apparel.

The introduction of tough legislation regarding the provision of flame resistant apparel, and the growing use of such apparel, has contributed to a drop in the number of fire-related injuries and fatalities in recent decades. Fire departments which issue high-tech turnout gear to their employees have seen a decline in the number of burn injuries. In some cases the decline has been dramatic. Similarly, the number of fatalities in professional motor racing has fallen sharply since the 1960s when it became compulsory for drivers to wear flame resistant garments.

Stricter regulations regarding fire safety and changes in market requirements have spurred the development of new fibres, treatments and fabrics. These new products have joined established names such as DuPont?s Nomex; Indura, made by Westex; Kermel; and Proban, which is produced by Rhodia.

In fire resistance applications, asbestos fibre and glass fibre have been replaced by high-tech protective fabrics which are comfortable and which fulfill stringent performance criteria. Multi-functional fabrics have become increasingly available. These combine flame resistance with other protective characteristics such as chemical resistance, anti-static properties and high visibility.

New generations of flame retardant treated (FRT) cotton offer improved durability, low shrinkage, better colourfastness and easy care characteristics. The introduction of such materials has stimulated overall demand in the market. It has also paved the way to new application areas for FRT cotton such as underwear, T-shirts and sweatshirts.

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Performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the international textile and clothing industry ? and market growth is being fuelled by the emergence of new fibres, new fabrics and innovative process technologies. The market is also being boosted by changes in consumer lifestyles. People are living longer and spending more time on leisure activities. New high-tech fabrics are being developed for a wide range of active sports such as aerobics, athletics, ballooning, cycling, hiking, mountaineering, parachuting, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and windsurfing.
Exciting innovations are emerging in smart textiles and nanotechnology ? and the sector?s growth prospects are helped by the trend in increasing demand for performance features in mainstream fashion.
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