Insulative Values of Single-Layer Fabrics for Thermal Protective Clothing

Abstract

For certain occupations special clothing is worn t provide protection against heat and fire; the amount of protection needed varies widely with the specific occupation. Fabrics made from natural fibers have been traditionally used for ordinary protection such as that needed in routine work situations of foundary workers, firefighters, etc. This study was conducted to determine the insulative properties of fabrics as measured in single layers, as well as their retention of integrity under various heat loads. Fabrics investigated ranged in weight from 85 to 740 g/m² and varied in fiber content, color construction, etc. Radiative heat was supplied by a quartz panel at flux levels of 0.84 to 1.68 W/cm²; an open flame provided convective heat at 8.4 W/cm². The total heat transferred through the fabric after exposure, and the time to reach a second-degree burn injury (based on the Derksen curve), were used to evaluate insulation characteristics. The report describes the apparatus, the test methods, and procedures used to conduct the study., Some interpretations of the results are presented.

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