Agricultural Research Service scientists Jeanette Cardamone and Anand Kanchager have discovered a new heat-resistant material that can be applied to wool and other fabrics to prevent them from burning. This material is applied within the fabric structure.
Current fabrics that come in contact with fire or extreme heat can cause physical injuries. Underwear currently worn by U.S. soldiers can burn with a perpetuating flame and form a hard bead that drips into an open wound, causing physical trauma. Other technologies employ metallic materials and chemicals that are perceived as environmentally unfriendly. ARS's technology uses a polymer applied with additives that are nonhazardous. It can provide safety and protection from high-temperature ignition in fire-hazard situations.
Applications of technology can be made from a water solution in textile mills during the wet finishing process that occurs after dyeing, and before or after finishing with existing mill equipment. The textile industry will be able to adapt this technology and use it for current wool fabrics and textiles to impart heat-resistance to existing textile clothing and material lines.
The technology could be used for children's clothing, as well as for military and other personnel who are exposed to extremely fire-hazardous situations.
More info: http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/patents/
patents.htm?serialnum=11211828
