Many fabrics burn, but the speed at which they do varies. Some materials resist flames better than others, though eventually, all untreated fabrics will succumb. In workplaces exposed to fire hazards, the risk of burns is significant, making it crucial for companies to evaluate suitable fabrics for employee attire.
Not all fabrics are ideal for fire-resistant clothing. Synthetic options like nylon and polyester need special treatments to be effective. This article takes a closer look at how these fabrics can be adapted for safety in industrial environments.
Can Nylon Resist Fire?
Nylon is a strong and enduring synthetic fabric. It was first made in the 1930s as a replacement for silk and now has many uses, such as in clothes and furniture coverings. Even though nylon has many benefits, it does not naturally resist fire. For nylon to have fire-resistant qualities, it needs special chemical treatments.
Comparison of Fabric Fire Resistance
| Fabric Type | Natural Resistance | Treated for Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Low | Needs treatment |
| Silk | Low | Needs treatment |
| Wool | Moderate | May not need treatment |
| Nylon | Low | Needs treatment |
| Polyester | Low | Needs treatment |
Is Polyester Resistant to Fire?
Polyester, like nylon, is a synthetic fabric without built-in fire-resistant properties. To enhance its ability to withstand fire, it undergoes chemical treatments. While synthetic fabrics can withstand flames to a point, they pose risks when on fire. They can melt and become sticky, possibly leading to serious burns when in contact with skin.
Blends of natural and synthetic fibers can increase these risks, as the mixture might react differently to fire and cause more harm than each material would individually. This makes it important for manufacturers to treat these materials, enabling safer use in environments where fire hazards are present.
Factors That Influence Flammability
Fabric Type and Weave
The type of fabric, along with its weave, affects how it burns. Fabrics like polyester and nylon can be good choices for fire-resistant clothing if they have a tight weave. Fabrics that are tightly woven usually do not catch fire as quickly as those with a loose weave. Heavy, tightly woven materials tend to burn slower than lightweight, loosely woven fabrics, even if they are made from the same material.
Surface Texture
The surface texture of a fabric also influences its flammability. Fabrics with a smooth and dense surface ignite more slowly. In some cases, a flame might travel over the fabric without causing it to burn. On the other hand, fabrics with a fluffy texture are more likely to catch fire quickly.
Clothing Design
The design of the clothing plays a role in how easily it may catch fire. Garments that are loose or long have a higher chance of ignition because more of the fabric is exposed to possible flame sources. Close-fitting clothing is less likely to catch fire, reducing the burning rate.
Methods to Make Polyester and Nylon Resistant to Flames
Steps to Make Nylon Resistant to Flames
Nylon can become resistant to flames by using special chemicals during production. One popular option is bromine. This chemical is used in more than half of the cases in the textile industry. Bromine can make nylon fabrics ignite more easily, yet it effectively puts out the fire quickly. Other choices include magnesium or zinc salts, but these can harm the environment.
Another technique is using special pigments or dyes. These substances change color when exposed to heat, warning of a temperature rise. For example, a dye might switch from blue to red or yellow to green when the fabric gets too hot. This color change helps people know when the fabric is at risk.
Added options:
- Bromine
- Magnesium or zinc salts
- Temperature-sensitive dyes
Strategies to Enhance Polyester with Fire Resistance
Polyester can gain flame resistance through added chemicals during its creation. Commonly, these are chlorinated flame retardants and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Both chemicals create a protective layer on the fabric that prevents fire from spreading.
BFRs are typically integrated during the initial fiber production stage. Their treatment does not alter how the fabric looks or feels. Chlorinated flame retardants, however, are added later, which can change both the appearance and touch of the fabric. This difference in application allows for flexibility depending on the desired end-use of the polyester fabric.
Important chemicals:
- Chlorinated flame retardants
- Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
Each method for treating nylon or polyester helps make the fabrics safer to use, especially in everyday clothing that could be exposed to fire or heat. The choice of treatment depends on the desired balance between environmental impact and fabric characteristics.