Estimation of the radiant performance of flame-retardant fabrics considering thermal degradation effect

Abstract

Specially designed thermal protective clothing is used by firefighters and furnace operators for safety against intense heat flux exposures. Radiative transfer becomes the main heat transfer mode under such high temperature conditions. This work dealt with the effects of thermal degradation on the radiant protective performance and radiative properties of Polysulfonamide and Nomex IIIA fabrics at virgin state and pyrolyzed state, respectively. Simultaneously, the thermal stability and flame retardancy of both fabrics were compared by using thermogravimetry, vertical burning test, and limit oxygen index methods. The obtained results of thermal degradation effect on radiative properties demonstrated that both of the reflectance and transmittance of the two kinds of fabrics at virgin condition are higher than those at pyrolyzed state. On the other hand, the radiant protective performance values of both fabrics at charred condition were lower as compared to those at virgin state. This study will be helpful to estimate the continuing performance of firefighters’ protective fabrics after thermal exposures during firefighting operations.