Evaluation of Fire Retardant Fabrics
Abstract
The validity of current experimental methods of evaluating fire retardant clothing is discussed. Two heat resistant, synthetic materials, Nomex and PBI are compared in terms of their physiologic protective capabilities. Results show that PBI is superior to Nomex. PBI does not ignite during a 3- second simulated post-crash fire exposure whereas Nomex does, thus it provides a physical buffer between the flame and the skin. Laboratory testing with a skin simulant also shows PBI affords better protection over Nomex ranging from 0 to 1.1 seconds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0754935
Entities
People
- Adolf R. Marko
- Charles Wilson
- James H. Veghte
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory