Chapter 16
Thermal Performance of Wool and Inherently Flame-Retardant Fiber-Blend Fabrics William H. Marsden
Downloaded by COLUMBIA UNIV on August 6, 2012 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: April 3, 1991 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1991-0457.ch016
The Wool Bureau, Inc., 225 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797
The natural chemical and physical properties of the wool fiber are discussed as they relate to the thermal performance of blends of wool with selected inherently flame retardant fibers. Such blends would be utilized to provide flame retardant and thermally insulative protective clothing systems for firefighters and others. These included wool blends with Kevlar, Nomex, Ryton and Inidex. Various blend levels were evaluated in batting form for stability to 500°F oven exposure, vertical flammability performance and thermal protection performance (TPP) ratings in layups with a standard turnout shell and selected lining fabrics and Gore-Tex moisture barriers. The conclusion was that a 60/40 blend of Zirpro flame retardant wool and Kevlar offered a high level of thermal stability, superior vertical flammability performance and good TPP ratings in the batting weight range 5 to 5.5 ozs./yd. . Previous investigation, plus commercial application in firefighter's turnouts, has also established that high wool content insulative linings are effective in reducing heat stress levels for the wearer (5, 6, 7, 13). 2
As noted i n such publications as the prestigious National Geographic Magazine (1), wool has a history of use that dates back over 12,000 years, and has provided clothing and shelter (protection from the elements) i n cold and i n warm climates since ancient times. Wool also has a place i n the h i - t e c h t e x t i l e revolution, where combinations of different types of f i b e r s are used to generate products with new and diverse properties. The scope of this study i s to i l l u s t r a t e how the inherent properties of wool may be enhanced to use i t for protective clothing for f i r e f i g h t e r s uniforms by chemical modification and by judicious blending with inherently flame-retardant and highly heat stable synthetic f i b e r s . The synthetic fibers used for blending were commercially available ones. 1
0097-6156/91/0457-0260$06.00/0
