What is flame retardant fabric?
Flame retardant fabric is a specialized functional textile that possesses flame resistance and fire durability due to chemical treatments on its fibers or manufacturing processes with specific techniques.
Flame retardant fabrics serve as protective materials, which are crucial for individuals working in hazardous industries. Hence, such fabrics must undergo relevant testing and meet corresponding flame retardant standards.
It is important to note that flame retardant fabrics are not completely non-combustible. They are treated with special processes to inhibit flame propagation and reduce burning speed. Once removed from direct exposure to open flames, they self-extinguish within a certain time frame, thereby minimizing property damage and ensuring personal safety. Flame retardant fabrics have extensive applications and play a significant role in both daily life and workplaces.
Flame retardant fabrics can be categorized as post-treatment flame retardant fabrics and inherent flame retardant fabrics (permanent flame retardant fabrics).
Post-treatment flame retardant fabrics:
Post-treatment flame retardant fabrics, also known as after-finishing flame retardant fabrics, are processed with coatings and additives during dyeing and finishing. The flame retardant effect gradually diminishes after multiple washes, making them suitable for items that are not frequently laundered.
Inherent flame retardant fabrics (permanent flame retardant fabrics):
Permanent flame retardant fabrics are made from inherently flame retardant fibers that are spun, woven, and dyed. These fabrics possess characteristics such as flame resistance, abrasion resistance, heat resistance, washability, acid and alkali resistance, water resistance, anti-static properties, and high strength. They are primarily used as ideal materials for manufacturing protective clothing in industries such as metallurgy, oil fields, coal mines, chemicals, electricity, and firefighting.
Currently, the mainstream flame retardant fabrics in the market can be divided into three categories:
- Disposable flame retardant fabrics achieve flame retardancy by adding disposable flame retardants. However, their flame resistance or fire durability significantly decreases after washing or laundering.
- Durable flame retardant fabrics achieve flame retardancy by adding wash-durable flame retardants. After approximately 30 to 50 washes, the flame retardant performance of these fabrics deteriorates. The flame retardancy of these fabrics worsens with an increasing number of washes.
- Permanent flame retardant fabrics are woven using flame retardant fibers and maintain their flame retardant properties regardless of the number of washes.
