Pro's and con's of inherent FR fabrics

In last arcticle,we talk about treated FR fabrics,today we will discuss about the pro's and con's of inherent FR fabrics.

 

FR protection mechanism: The primary advantage of inherent FR fabrics is the high level of protection against thermal hazards. Inherent FR fabrics will not ignite in normal oxygen content levels, or they will char as their protection mechanism.

 

Other inherent FR fabrics off-gas to prevent combustion. While this method will not support a flame, it offers minimal protection and can release hazardous chemicals, such as cyanide, as the flame is extinguished.

 

When exposed to heat or flame, inherent FR fabrics made of a blend of oxidized fibers carbonize and then expand, eliminating any oxygen content within the fabric, and provide superior insulation. Oxidized fibers are thermally stable and do not shrink during thermal exposures. Shrinkage during a thermal exposure decreases the air layers between fabric and skin, which ultimately reduces the overall insulation provided.

 

Inherent FR fabrics consistently have higher Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) scores than treated FR fabrics. The TPP rating is a measurement of a protective garment’s thermal insulation performance against convective and radiant heat exposure. A garment’s TPP score is simply two times the number of seconds it takes for a second-degree burn to occur when exposed to a 2.0 cal/cm2 flame and radiant heat source. The higher the TPP rating, the higher the level of protection provided by the garment.

 

Permanent protection: The FR properties of inherent FR fabrics will not wash out or wear away.

 

Higher upfront price, but greater long-term value: Inherent FR fibers are typically more expensive than treated fibers. But the effectiveness of the thermal protection during the lifetime of the garment may allow a more expensive garment to be worn for a longer period of time. The higher upfront price for inherent FR apparel can be justified over the long term when its durability extends the life of the garment.

 

Improved comfort: To compete with comfort-driven treated FR fabrics, PPE fabric and clothing manufacturers using inherent FR fibers have developed lighter-weight solutions. NFPA 70E Hazard Risk Category 2 rated garments continue to get lighter, and more flexible and lightweight options for extreme environments are now available. Inherent FR garments are also now designed with increased breathability and improved moisture management.