Flame-retardant fabrics are textiles specially treated to slow or prevent burning. In this article, we will look at different types of flame-retardant materials and the mechanisms behind their performance.
What are the key factors influencing flame retardancy?
1) Limiting oxygen access (LOI)
- Certain treatment methods, like FR-treated cotton, chemically put out or retard fire by forming a charred layer that blocks oxygen from reaching the fibres, thereby slowing down combustion.
2) Chemical reactions
- Flame-resistant materials often inherently resist ignition without needing chemical treatment. Modacrylic fabrics exemplify this approach, as they are made from fibres that are naturally resistant to burning.
3) Charring
- When heated, some materials, such as aramid fibres, carbonise and form a protective barrier. This barrier insulates the underlying fabric, slowing down the burning process.
| Mechanism | Description | Example Material | Applications | Unique Advantage |
| Limiting Oxygen Access | Creates a physical barrier that restricts oxygen reaching the fibres, slowing down combustion | FR-treated cotton | Firefighter clothing, protective clothing | Low cost,Comfortable Breathable |
| Chemical Reactions | Releases non-flammable gases when heated, suffocating the flames | Modacrylic fabrics | Protective clothing, workwear, uniforms, outdoor apparel | Will not melt or drip,Easy care |
| Charring | Forms an insulating layer that protects the underlying fabric from heat and slows down burning | Aramid fibers | Industrial safety, electrical safety, metalworking, aerospace | High durability,Lightweight |
FR-Treated Cotton: long-lasting flame retardancy with THPC technology
FR-treated fabrics undergo a chemical process that provides significant and long-lasting fire resistance, superior defence against melt spatter, and effective protection from arc flash incidents.
XM Textiles utilises THPC technology. THPC, a water-soluble tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salt, is produced by reacting formaldehyde, phosphine, and hydrochloric acid. When exposed to elevated temperatures, THPC decomposes and chemically reacts with the cellulose fibres in the cotton fabric to form a protective char layer. This char layer acts as a barrier, hindering oxygen from reaching the fabric and consequently reducing flammability.
How do XM Textiles FR-Treated Cotton Fabrics Stand Out?
While some FR treatments may lose effectiveness over time, necessitating maintenance or reapplication depending on specific use and treatment conditions, XM Textiles fabrics boast extended durability. Our FR-treated cotton fabrics can withstand up to 100 wash cycles, exceeding the practical lifespan of most garments. This exceptional durability is confirmed by certificates earned through rigorous testing. Our fabrics undergo periodic testing at the renowned AITEX laboratory in Spain, a leader in textile industry expertise. These tests involve 50 and 100 industrial washes at a temperature of 75°C, simulating real-world wear and tear.
If you are seeking flame-retardant treated fabrics capable of enduring industrial washes at 100×75°C, here are several options:
– MADEIRA-320 A flame-retardant fabric weighing 320gsm, ideal for medium-weight welders’ attire and various metalworking tasks.
– GEFEST-480 A heavyweight fabric weighing 480gsm, specially crafted for welders operating in challenging environments such as offshore oil platforms and naval shipyards.
– ETNA With a density of 350gsm, this fabric suits metallurgy and other industrial settings, providing defence against flash fires and electric arcs.
– POSEIDON-245 This lightweight alternative, weighing 245gsm, consists of 80% cotton, 19% polyester, and 1% antistatic yarn. Recommended for hot climates, it shields against flash fires and electrostatic discharge.
| Feature | Madeira-320 | Gefest-480 | Etna | Poseidon-245 |
| Weight (gsm) | 320 | 480 | 350 | 245 |
| Material | 100% Cotton | 100% Cotton | 99% Cotton,1% Antistatic | 80% Cotton, 19% Polyester, 1% Antistatic |
| Weave | FR-Twill 3/1 | Satin 5/2 | Satin 4/1 | Twill 2/2 |
| Key features | – Flame retardant- Flash fire protection | – Flame retardant- Heavy-duty – Flash fire protection | – Flame retardant – Antistatic- Flash fire protection – Electrostatic discharge | – Flame retardant- Antistatic – Abrasion resistant – Lightweight- Flash fire protection |
| Certifications | ISO 11611, ISO 11612, ISO 15797, Oeko-Tex 100 | ISO 11611, ISO 11612, ISO 15797, Oeko-Tex 100 | ISO 11611, ISO 11612,EN 1149, EN 61482,ASTM F 1959, Oeko-Tex 100 | ISO 11611,ISO 11612,EN 1149,EN 13034,EN 20471,EN 61482,Oeko-Tex 100 |
| Description | Medium-weight for welders’ clothing & metalworking | Heavyweight for extreme welding conditions | Cotton with antistatic properties for explosive atmospheres | Lightweight cotton-polyester blend, Good for summer FR garments |
| Recommended use | Welders’ clothing, Metalworking | Professional welders in extreme environments | Flash fire & electrostatic discharge protection | Summer FR garments |
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Top 5 features of FR-TREATED COTTON for heat protection:
- Increased flame resistance
- Self-extinguishing properties
- Char formation
- Durability
- Versatility and comfort
Check out all XM Textiles FR-treated cotton fabrics at the link
What are the most common applications of FR Cotton fabrics?
- Firefighter clothing: FR-treated cotton in firefighter gear forms a barrier, restricting oxygen access to the fibres and slowing down combustion.
- Protective clothing: FR cotton fabrics are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, electrical, welding, and firefighting. These fabrics provide protection against heat, flames, and arc flashes, reducing the risk of burns and injuries.
- Welder’s apparel: FR-treated cotton garments for welders offer flame resistance, protecting against sparks and molten metal.
- Industrial applications: FR cotton fabrics are utilised for welding curtains, blankets, and screens. These fabrics help to contain sparks and prevent the spread of fire, ensuring a safer working environment.
- Military and defence: FR cotton fabrics are used in the manufacturing of uniforms, combat clothing, and other protective gear for military personnel.
Source: @Asif Munir011 / Freepik
XM Textiles — international FR Fabrics supplier
XM Textiles is an international provider of flame-resistant fabrics, meeting stringent safety standards established by organisations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the British Standards Institution (BSI). These certified fabrics are suitable for various applications, including flame-resistant clothing, firefighter protective equipment, and fire curtains, ensuring safety and reliability in commercial buildings, residential homes, and industrial facilities.