Lightweight Aluminized Fabric and Insulation-Liner Materials for Proximity Firefighters' Garments.
Abstract
The Navy Clothing and Textile Research Unit (NCTRU) has developed a new lightweight aluminized 10.5-ounce fabric made with cor-spun Novatex-Nomex yarns and a removable quilted insulation liner containing needlepunched Nomex felt as a replacement material for the aluminized 20-ounce asbestos-cotton outershell fabric and quilted wool-batt insulation liner currently used in the standard crash-crew proximity firefighter's outfit. The adoption of the new materials will significantly increase the comfort and efficiency of the firefighter by reducing weight and bulk and enhancing flexibility of the protective clothing. Initial laboratory investigation of comparative heat-protective characteristics of lightweight aluminized fabrics and insulation liners supported the final selection of the aluminized 10.5-ounce Novatex-Nomex fabric and quilted insulation liner containing 7-ounce Nomex felt. Analysis of laboratory data on the physical properties of the aluminized Novatex-Nomex material indicated it had excellent potential as a substitute fabric for the current standard material. A small semi-production run was made on both the outershell and the insulation materials and the materials were manufactured into experimental prototype garments. Examination of prototype garments worn for 3 months showed satisfactory durability with no holes, cuts or tears to the outershell fabric nor delamination of the aluminum coating. The quilted Nomex liner laundered satisfactorily with only slight loss in thickness and low shrinkage. Based on these findings, NCTRU recommended the new materials and outfit for adoption to replace the current standard proximity firefighter's ensemble. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA020963
Entities
People
- Norman F. Audet
- Zelig Kupferman