Fire and vandal-resistant material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vandalism and fire protection material (10,340) comprising a metallic reinforcement layer (20) disposed between a first fire-barrier layer of non-woven fibers (30) and a second fire-barrier layer of non-woven fibers (40). The metallic reinforcement layer (20) is a knitted metallic reinforcement (20) comprising one or more monofilament metallic yarns having a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 mm. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a protective material (10,340), and the use of said protective material (10,340). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Fire and vandal-resistant protective material technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of anti-vandalism and anti-fire materials, and the manufacturing processes of such materials. Previous technique

[0002] The fittings of passenger areas (seats, headrests, armrests, backrests, etc.) used in public passenger transport must meet stringent safety requirements regarding fire protection. This requirement is particularly stringent in the rail sector, as well as in metro, tram, and bus transport.

[0003] The linings of said seating areas are thus subjected to critical fire resistance tests which require the use of fire barrier materials. These fire barriers protect the foam of the seating areas, the foam being an essential component providing comfort to the user during their journey. These barriers ensure compliance with the fire behavior requirements set out in various applicable standards, in particular in standard NF EN 45545-2, notably dated August 2020, entitled "Railway applications - Fire protection in railway vehicles - Part 2: Requirements for the fire behavior of materials and components".

[0004] However, an increase in acts of vandalism has been observed in public transport, particularly on railways. The outer layers of the seat cushions are slashed, exposing the foam, which is susceptible to fire. In this situation, passenger safety is no longer guaranteed with regard to the risk of fire.

[0005] Anti-vandalism materials are generally deployed in seats used in critical conditions such as RER transport or, more generally, rail transport allowing intra-metropolis travel.

[0006] These materials are evaluated in particular using standard NF F31-118, specifically dated December 2013 (entitled "Railway rolling stock - Anti-vandalism coating - Characteristics and tests"), which defines the criteria for resistance to vandalism of materials, particularly coatings, used in the upholstery of passenger areas (seats, etc.). This standard is very demanding regarding tear resistance and adhesion between the different layers composing the upholstery of a seat. Materials meeting this standard to date are rigid, which creates manufacturing difficulties and considerably reduces seat comfort.

[0007] This type of material is not suitable for prolonged use, for example for long journeys on high-speed trains. These rigid materials generally include a metal reinforcement ensuring resistance against tearing, and can be combined with a fire barrier, which further increases the weight and rigidity.

[0008] In order to meet the requirements for vandal-resistant and fire-resistant seating for passenger transport, particularly in the railway sector, EN 45545-2 was revised in 2020 to now incorporate an assessment of the potential of seat coverings to resist acts of vandalism as set out in NF EN 16989, Annex A, dated June 2018, entitled "Railway applications - Fire protection in railway vehicles - Fire behavior tests of complete seats" (this standard describes a test protocol for determining the fire behavior of a railway vehicle seat design using a set of complete seats prepared and tested in accordance with the procedures indicated in said standard. It also establishes a standardized procedure for assessing the potential of a seat to resist acts of vandalism).

[0009] However, combining a vandal-resistant material with a fire-resistant material results in a material that is rigid, difficult to manufacture, and uncomfortable. Furthermore, its surface density is high, whereas in all transport operations, it is desirable to limit the weight carried in order to reduce energy consumption.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a fire-resistant and vandal-resistant material that is lightweight, flexible, can be easily manufactured and transformed, and finally comfortable.

[0011] There is a need for a fire-resistant and vandal-resistant material capable of meeting the EN 45 546-2 standard, revised in 2020, and in particular its vandal-resistant aspect stated in particular in the NF EN 16989 standard, Annex A. Description of the invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a material for protection against vandalism and against fire, alleviating all or part of the aforementioned problems, in that it comprises, and is possibly made essentially of, a layer of metallic reinforcement disposed between a first fire barrier layer of non-woven fibers and a second fire barrier layer of non-woven fibers, the metallic reinforcement layer is a knitted metallic reinforcement comprising, in particular, is made essentially of, one or more monofilamentary metallic yarn(s) having (each) a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 mm.

[0013] Advantageously, the metallic reinforcement comprises knitted metallic threads which are very fine, which improves the flexibility of said reinforcement.

[0014] Knitting also significantly improves flexibility when combined with the fineness of the yarns. In a knitted bonding method, the knitted loops slide relative to one another. This freedom of movement between the yarns, particularly fine ones, gives the metallic reinforcement good flexibility. Furthermore, this bonding method for metallic yarns, combined with two layers of non-woven, fire-barrier fibers, provides the material according to the invention with good tear resistance.

[0015] Preferably, the material according to the invention can be used in all categories of railway vehicles, whether for short journeys (for example of a few minutes) or long journeys (for example of several hours on a TGV), or even in public transport vehicles, including but not limited to buses, trams, metros, ....

[0016] Preferably, the knitted metal reinforcement comprises jersey stitches.

[0017] Preferably, the knitted metal reinforcement comprises, in particular, is made of essentially of, one or more yarn(s) knitted in a metal or an alloy thereof, said metal being chosen from: stainless steel, copper, aluminum, iron, in particular stainless steel.

[0018] This arrangement improves the corrosion resistance of the material according to the invention. Indeed, the seat comprising said material is generally cleaned regularly with steam.

[0019] Advantageously, knitting a metallic reinforcement from small-diameter monofilament yarn(s) is difficult to perform on a knitting machine. Furthermore, the metallic reinforcement made from such yarns tends to deform more due to its thinness and low surface density, to the detriment of its mechanical properties. Therefore, skilled workers are not incentivized to use this type of metallic reinforcement. Nevertheless, it has been surprisingly found that this type of metallic reinforcement, in combination with first and second fire-barrier layers, makes it possible to obtain a protective material with good vandal resistance while remaining flexible.

[0020] Preferably, the first non-woven fiber fire barrier layer, and optionally the second non-woven fiber fire barrier layer, can / can be (each) a mat of carded fibers, or of fibers joined and entangled by an airflow (in particular by the so-called airlaid technique), or even joined and entangled by a jet of water (in particular by the so-called wetlaid technique), preferably it is a mat of carded fibers.

[0021] Preferably, said fiber web is consolidated by needle punching or hydrobonding. These techniques consist of arranging the fibers of the web in a plane perpendicular to the xy plane of the material according to the invention.

[0022] Advantageously, the first non-woven fiber fire barrier layer, and optionally the second non-woven fiber fire barrier layer, is / are each a web of needle-punched and / or hydrobonded non-woven fibers.

[0023] Preferably, the first non-woven fiber fire barrier layer has a consolidation rate greater than or equal to 20 blows / cm2 and less than or equal to 200 blows / cm2, in particular a consolidation rate greater than or equal to 45 blows / cm2.

[0024] Preferably, the second non-woven fiber fire barrier has a consolidation rate greater than or equal to 20 blows / cm2 and less than or equal to 200 blows / cm2, in particular a consolidation rate greater than or equal to 45 blows / cm2.

[0025] In preferred examples, the first fire barrier layer, and optionally the second fire barrier layer of non-woven fibers, comprises each of the fibers, in particular aramid, having a linear mass greater than or equal to 0.5 dtex or 0.9 dtex and less than or equal to 5 dtex or 3 dtex or 2.5 dtex.

[0026] The inventors observed that this linear mass interval improves the tear resistance of the material according to the invention.

[0027] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer, and optionally the second fire barrier layer, is / are each a fiber mat comprising fibers oriented in an x-y plane of the protective material and comprising fibers oriented in a plane perpendicular to the xy plane of the protective material.

[0028] In embodiments, the protective material has a thickness less than or equal to 10 mm, in particular less than or equal to 8 mm, more particularly less than or equal to 6 mm, even more particularly less than or equal to 4 mm, in particular measured under a weight applied to said protective material of 0.5 kPa.

[0029] Advantageously, the protective material comprises a first face and a second face, substantially opposite to the first face.

[0030] Advantageously, said thickness is the distance between the first face and the second face of the protective material.

[0031] In embodiments, the first non-woven fiber fire barrier layer, and optionally the second non-woven fiber fire barrier layer, each comprises, in particular is / are made up essentially of, heat-stable fibers.

[0032] In the present text, a thermostable fiber is understood to mean any intrinsically stable fiber whose operating temperature is greater than or equal to 300°C, in particular greater than or equal to 400°C, without degradation of its mechanical properties.

[0033] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer, and optionally the second fire barrier layer, comprises each of the fibers selected from: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, polyacrylate fibers, pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, viscose fibers, in particular flame-retardant viscose fibers, wool fibers, aramid fibers, in particular para-aramid fibers and / or meta-aramid fibers, or a mixture thereof.

[0034] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer, and optionally the second fire barrier layer, each comprise at least 60% by mass, preferably at least 70% by mass, even more preferably at least 80% by mass, of para-aramid fibers and / or meta-aramid fibers, or a mixture thereof.

[0035] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer, and optionally the second fire barrier layer, each comprise at least 5% by mass, preferably at least 10% by mass, more preferably at most 20% by mass, of para-aramid fibers and / or meta-aramid fibers, or a mixture of the latter with viscose fibers, in particular flame-retardant, and / or polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers.

[0036] In embodiments, the knitted metal reinforcement comprises, in particular is made of, one or more monofilament metal wire(s) each having a diameter greater than or equal to 0.05 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 0.08 mm, more particularly greater than or equal to 0.10 mm.

[0037] In embodiments, the knitted metal reinforcement comprises, in particular, one or more monofilament metal wire(s) each having a diameter less than or equal to 0.20 mm.

[0038] The yarn(s) used in the knitted metal reinforcement is / are very fine so that the knit retains sufficient flexibility, avoiding stiffening and therefore a significant loss of seat comfort.

[0039] If the wire(s) is / are too thin, a decrease in performance is observed in the required laceration test, which must be less than 50 mm.

[0040] Advantageously, the first fire barrier layer comprises substantially opposite internal and external faces.

[0041] Advantageously, the second fire barrier comprises substantially opposite internal and external faces.

[0042] Advantageously, the knitted metal reinforcement comprises substantially opposite first and second faces, said first face being oriented towards the inner face of the first fire barrier layer and said second face being oriented towards the inner face of the second fire barrier layer.

[0043] It is understood in the present text by the vandalism and fire protection material consisting essentially of a metallic reinforcement layer disposed between a first non-woven fiber fire barrier layer and a second non-woven fiber fire barrier layer that said first and second fire barrier layers and said metallic reinforcement represent at least 80% by mass, preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95% by mass of said protection material.

[0044] It is understood in the present text by the metallic reinforcement is essentially made up of one or more monofilamentary metallic wire(s) that the said monofilamentary metallic wire(s) having (each) a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 mm, represent(s) at least 80% by mass, preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95% by mass, of said metallic reinforcement.

[0045] In the present text, an interval given as being defined as between a and b means that the bounds a and b are included in said interval.

[0046] In one embodiment, the protective material has a total surface mass greater than or equal to 100 g / m2 and less than or equal to 600 g / m2.

[0047] Preferably, the protective material has a surface mass greater than or equal to 120 g / m2, more preferably greater than or equal to 130 g / m2, more preferably greater than or equal to 140 g / m2, more preferably greater than or equal to 150 g / m2.

[0048] Preferably, the protective material has a surface mass less than or equal to 500 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 400 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 350 g / m2, more preferably less than or equal to 300 g / m2.

[0049] In examples, the protective material has a surface mass between 200 g / m2 and 350 g / m2.

[0050] The protective material according to the invention meets the fire resistance and tear resistance criteria, in particular those stated in standard EN 45 546-2, revised in 2020, and its anti-vandalism aspect stated in standard NF EN 16989, Annex A, and this while having a low surface mass which makes it possible to obtain a flexible, comfortable protective material which can be sewn when making a seat for example.

[0051] In one embodiment, the knitted metal reinforcement comprises one or more monofilament metal wire(s) each having a diameter less than or equal to 0.20 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.15 mm.

[0052] In one embodiment, the knitted metal reinforcement has a surface mass greater than or equal to 30 g / m2 and less than or equal to 280 g / m2, preferably less than or equal to 200 g / m2.

[0053] In embodiments, the knitted metal reinforcement has a surface mass greater than or equal to 50 g / m2, in particular greater than or equal to 70 g / m2.

[0054] In embodiments, the knitted metal reinforcement has a surface mass less than or equal to 120 g / m2, in particular less than or equal to 100 g / m2, more particularly less than or equal to 90 g / m2.

[0055] In one embodiment, the knitted metal reinforcement has a number of mesh columns per 25.4 mm less than or equal to 10.

[0056] In embodiments, the knitted metal reinforcement has a number of mesh columns per 25.4 mm greater than or equal to 2, preferably greater than or equal to 3, more preferably greater than or equal to 3.5.

[0057] In embodiments, the knitted metal reinforcement has a number of mesh columns per 25.4 mm less than or equal to 8, more particularly less than or equal to 7, even more particularly less than or equal to 5.5.

[0058] It has been found that the lower the number of mesh columns per inch (i.e. 25.4 mm), and this combined with a fine yarn(s), the more supple and flexible the knitted metal reinforcement is, and in particular allows for the making of a comfortable final product, such as a seat.

[0059] A number of mesh columns greater than or equal to 2 per 25.4 mm allows for maintaining good resistance to tearing.

[0060] In one embodiment, the knitted metal reinforcement comprises, in particular is made up essentially of, meshes each of which comprises one to eight monofilament metallic wire(s), in particular one to four monofilament metallic wire(s), more particularly one to three monofilament metallic wire(s), in particular one monofilament metallic wire.

[0061] This arrangement further improves the suppleness and flexibility of the protective material.

[0062] Advantageously, during the knitting of the metal reinforcement, the needles of the knitting machine are each fed by one to four monofilament metal wire(s).

[0063] In embodiments, the knitted metal reinforcement comprises meshes, in particular is made of, each of which comprises a monofilament metallic wire.

[0064] This arrangement allows for flexibility in the knitted metal reinforcement.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first fire barrier layer comprises at least 60% by mass, in particular at least 70% by mass, more particularly at least 80% by mass, even more particularly at least 90% by mass, of heat-stable non-woven fibers.

[0066] In embodiments, the second fire barrier layer comprises at least 60% by mass, in particular at least 70% by mass, more particularly at least 80% by mass, even more particularly at least 90% by mass, of heat-stable non-woven fibers.

[0067] The mass percentage of thermostable fibers is calculated in relation to the total mass of the first, respectively second, fire barrier layer.

[0068] In this text, thermostable fibers are understood to mean fibers having good intrinsic fire resistance properties, in particular whose mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength (daN)) are maintained at an operating temperature greater than or equal to 300°C or 350°C or 400°C. In one embodiment, the first fire barrier layer comprises at least 60% by mass, in particular at least 70% by mass, more particularly at least 80% by mass, even more particularly at least 90% by mass, of aramid fibres, in particular meta-aramid.

[0069] In embodiments, the second fire barrier layer comprises at least 60% by mass, in particular at least 70% by mass, more particularly at least 80% by mass, even more particularly at least 90% by mass, of aramid fibers, in particular meta-aramid.

[0070] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer comprises at least 5% by mass of para-aramid fibers, and at most 40% by mass of para-aramid fibers, in particular at most 30% or 20% by mass of para-aramid fibers.

[0071] In embodiments, the second fire barrier layer comprises at least 5% by mass of para-aramid fibers, and at most 40% by mass of para-aramid fibers, in particular at most 30% or 20% by mass of para-aramid fibers.

[0072] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer comprises at least 60% by mass of meta-aramid fibers, and at most 95% by mass of meta-aramid fibers, in particular at most 80% or 70% by mass of meta-aramid fibers.

[0073] In embodiments, the second fire barrier layer comprises at least 60% by mass of meta-aramid fibers, and at most 95% by mass of meta-aramid fibers, in particular at most 80% or 70% by mass of meta-aramid fibers.

[0074] The mass % of (para / meta) aramid fibers is calculated in relation to the total mass of the first, respectively second, fire barrier layer.

[0075] Blending para-aramid fibers with meta-aramid fibers improves fire resistance and tear resistance performance. Indeed, para-aramid fibers provide good tear resistance and fire resistance when combined with meta-aramid fibers that have good fire resistance.

[0076] In one embodiment, the first fire barrier layer has a density greater than or equal to 20 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 200 Kg / m3.

[0077] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer has a density greater than or equal to 20 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 100 Kg / m3, preferably greater than or equal to 25 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 70 Kg / m3, in particular greater than or equal to 25 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 60 Kg / m3.

[0078] In embodiments, the second fire barrier layer has a density greater than or equal to 20 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 200 Kg / m3.

[0079] In embodiments, the second fire barrier layer has a density greater than or equal to 20 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 100 Kg / m3, preferably greater than or equal to 25 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 70 Kg / m3, in particular greater than or equal to 25 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 60 Kg / m3.

[0080] These density ranges make it possible to obtain good resistance to tearing.

[0081] These density ranges are preferably applied to the first fire barrier layer and / or the second fire barrier layer after needle punching, and before assembly with the metal reinforcement.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first fire barrier layer comprises fibers, in particular thermostable and / or aramid, having a length greater than or equal to 30 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 35 mm, and less than or equal to 100 mm, and a linear mass less than or equal to 10 dtex.

[0083] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer comprises fibers, in particular thermostable and / or aramid, having a linear mass greater than or equal to 0.5 dtex, in particular greater than or equal to 1.5 dtex.

[0084] In embodiments, the second fire barrier layer comprises fibers, in particular thermostable and / or aramid, having a length greater than or equal to 30 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 35 mm, and less than or equal to 100 mm, and a linear mass less than or equal to 10 dtex.

[0085] In embodiments, the second fire barrier layer comprises fibers, in particular thermostable and / or aramid, having a linear mass greater than or equal to 0.5 dtex, in particular greater than or equal to 1.5 dtex.

[0086] It has been determined that this combination of parameters makes it possible to improve the resistance to delamination of the protective material.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first and second fire barrier layers are each a non-woven fibre mat comprising at least 70% by mass of aramid fibres, said mat having a surface mass greater than or equal to 60 g / m2 and less than or equal to 100 g / m2, in particular less than or equal to 80 g / m2, the knitted metal reinforcement has a surface mass greater than or equal to 50 g / m2, in particular greater than or equal to 70 g / m2, and less than or equal to 120 g / m2, in particular less than or equal to 90 g / m2, and comprises at least one monofilament metal wire having a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 mm, said knitted metal reinforcement comprising a number of mesh columns less than or equal to 8 by 25.4 mm.

[0088] In embodiments, the first fire barrier layer, and optionally the second fire barrier layer, each have a density ranging from 25 kg / m3 to 45 kg / m3.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first and second fire barrier layers are bonded to the knitted metal reinforcement by at least one of the following means: by an adhesive agent, by a bonding yarn, in particular having a number (Nm) ranging from 15 to 40, by fibers of the first fire barrier layer and / or fibers of the second fire barrier layer entangled in said knitted metal reinforcement, for example by needle punching or hydrobonding, to form a monolithic material.

[0090] Advantageously, said material is monolithic and forms a panel having good resistance to delamination.

[0091] Preferably, the knitted metal reinforcement is placed between the first and second fire barrier layers.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first and second fire barrier layers are bonded to the knitted metal reinforcement by means of an adhesive agent. This adhesive agent may be sprayed onto the inner face(s) of the first and / or second fire barrier layer(s) and / or onto the first and / or second face(s) of the knitted metal reinforcement, and / or a layer of hot melt adhesive may be applied to both sides of the knitted metal reinforcement.

[0093] In embodiments, the first and second fire barrier layers and the knitted metal reinforcement are needle-punched together or hydrobonded together.

[0094] In embodiments, the first and second fire barrier layers and the knitted metal reinforcement are joined by a knitted yarn through said layers and said reinforcement.

[0095] In embodiments, one or more of the connecting thread(s) is / are sewn through the first fire barrier layer, optionally the second fire barrier, and the knitted metallic reinforcement.

[0096] In embodiments, fibers from the first fire barrier layer, and optionally fibers from the second fire barrier layer, extend through the knitted metal reinforcement, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the xy plane of the protective material.

[0097] The present invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a method for manufacturing a material for protection against vandalism and fire, in particular according to any one of the embodiments referred to in the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps:

[0098] - a knitted metallic reinforcement is placed between the first and second layers non-woven fibre fire barriers, said knitted metallic reinforcement comprising one or more monofilament metallic wire(s), said monofilament metallic wire(s) having a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 mm;

[0099] - the first and second fire barrier layers are joined together in said reinforcement knitted metallic with at least one of the following means: a sprayed adhesive agent, a heat-activated hotmelt film, a sewn bonding thread, by hydrobonding, or a combination thereof.

[0100] The present invention relates, according to a third aspect, to the use of the fire and vandal-resistant material according to any one of the embodiment variants according to a first aspect of the invention for the manufacture of a seat (in particular at least one of the following areas of the seat includes the protective material according to a first or second aspect of the invention: a seating area and / or a backrest area and / or a headrest area and / or an armrest area), in particular for a means of public transport, for example a train, a bus, a metro or a tram, said seat comprising in this order: an outer covering, said fire and vandal-resistant material, and at least one layer of foam.Advantageously, said knitted metal reinforcement, of said fire and vandal protection material, comprises a reverse face, in particular comprising reverse mesh, and a front face, in particular comprising right mesh, and the front face of the knitted metal reinforcement is oriented towards the outer cladding, and the reverse face of the metal reinforcement is oriented towards said at least one layer of foam.

[0101] Preferably, at least one of the following areas of the chosen seat—a seating area and / or a backrest area and / or a headrest area and / or an armrest area—includes the protective material. Surprisingly, it has been found that the arrangement of the mesh facing the outer covering, and therefore facing the point where the tear would begin, improves the tear resistance of the protective material and thus of the seat. Description of the drawings

[0102] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following embodiments, cited by way of non-limiting example, and illustrated by the figures in which:

[0103] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] schematically represents, side view and exploded view, a first example of a fire and vandalism protection material according to the invention;

[0104] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] schematically represents a first example of a seat in section including a first example of fire and vandalism protection material according to the invention;

[0105] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] schematically represents a test comparing the flexibility between the first example of protective material 10 shown in [Fig.2], a comparative example of a fire barrier 100 and an example of vandal-proof sheeting 200.

[0106] The first example of vandalism and fire protection material 10 shown in [Fig.1] advantageously comprises a knitted metal reinforcement 20 disposed between a first fire barrier layer of non-woven fibers 30 and a second fire barrier layer of non-woven fibers 40.

[0107] In a specific example, the metal reinforcement 20 is a jersey-knitted metal reinforcement, each stitch of which is formed with a monofilament metal wire, in particular stainless steel, having a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm. The number of stitch columns per 25.4 mm (i.e., one English inch) is preferably between 3.5 and 5.5, and even more preferably around 4.5.

[0108] In a specific example, the first fire barrier layer 30 and the second fire barrier layer 40 are each a non-woven, needle-punched fiber mat of approximately 70 g / m2 consisting essentially of aramid fibers, in particular 70% to 95% by mass of meta-aramid fibers and 5% to 30% by mass of para-aramid fibers.

[0109] In a specific example, the first fire barrier layer 30 and the second fire barrier layer 40 are each a sheet of non-woven, needle-punched fibers having a thickness of approximately 2 mm and a density of approximately 35 Kg / m3.

[0110] In a specific example, the first fire barrier layer 30 and the second fire barrier layer 40 are each a web of non-woven, needle-punched fibers comprising fibers with a length between 30 mm and 100 mm, for example, on the order of 60 mm, for at least 70% by mass of said fibers. Advantageously, the first fire barrier layer 30 comprises an outer face 31 and an inner face 32, the second fire barrier layer 40 comprises an outer face 41 and an inner face 42, and finally the knitted metal reinforcement layer 20 comprises a first face 21 and a second face 22.

[0111] As can be seen in [Fig.1], the first face 21 of the metal reinforcement 20 is arranged opposite the inner face 32 of the first fire barrier layer 30 and the second face 22 of the metal reinforcement 20 is arranged opposite the inner face 42 of the second fire barrier layer 40.

[0112] Advantageously, the material 10 is monolithic, because the different layers (20,30,40) are bonded together with good resistance to delamination.

[0113] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the different layers (20,30,40) are bonded together by an adhesive agent; in this specific example, two layers of hot melt adhesive 50 and 60 are placed on either side of the knitted metal reinforcement layer 20, between the inner face 32 and the first face 21 on one side and between the inner face 42 and the second surface 22 on the other.

[0114] In a specific example, hot melt adhesive veils 50 and 60 are each a copolyamide adhesive veil of approximately 12 g / m2.

[0115] The entire set of layers 20, 30, 40 with the glue veils 50 and 60 is hot calendered in order to compact said layers and bond them together.

[0116] The protective material 10 obtained with the various precise parameters stated above has a surface mass of approximately 230 g / m², and a thickness of approximately 3 mm under a load of 0.5 kPa. The protective material 10 has a tear test result (according to the aforementioned EN 16989 standard) of less than 10 mm, compared to a result of more than 50 mm, for example approximately 55 mm, for a comparative standard fire barrier (250 g / m² of a carded and needle-punched web of non-woven fibers of 88% by mass meta-aramid and 12% by mass para-aramid, thickness of 4 mm under a load of 0.5 kPa) 100. The comparative fire barrier 100 thus has poor tear resistance but nevertheless exhibits good flexibility, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In [Fig.3], we can see that the comparative fire barrier 100 conforms more closely to the surface on which it is placed.

[0117] The knitted metal reinforcement 20 advantageously slows the blade during the test. Figure 3 also shows a comparative anti-vandalism mat 200 (1050 g / m², a knitted metal reinforcement of approximately 450 g / m² comprising monofilament metal yarns of 0.35 mm diameter is placed between two carded and needle-punched mats of aramid fibers, each mat having a surface mass of approximately 300 g / m², thickness of 3.8 mm under a load of 0.5 kPa). The tear resistance is good since the value obtained in the test is 0 mm; however, the anti-vandalism mat 200 is very rigid and heavy. It is clearly visible in Figure 3 that the comparative mat 200 conforms least to the shape of the support.

[0118] The tear tests were carried out on each of the materials assembled with a 50 mm polyurethane foam, having a density of 60 Kg / m3, and an outer velvet covering of 870 g / m2, the right side including the right stitches of the knitted reinforcement 20 being oriented towards the outer covering.

[0119] The protective material 10 according to the invention exhibits good flexibility and good tear resistance while offering a reduced thickness of 3 mm. Moreover, this protective material 10 has a similar tear resistance to the anti-vandalism mat 200, while its surface mass is divided by 4 compared to the latter.

[0120] These good results are linked in particular to the use of monofilamentary metallic wire(s) having a fine diameter and to loose knitting.

[0121] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional example of a seat 300, particularly for a means of public transport, for example a train, bus, subway, or tram. The seat 300 comprises, in that order, an outer covering 320, the material according to the invention 340 (for example, the protective material 10), and at least one layer of foam 360. The knitted metal reinforcement, for example, the metal reinforcement 20, comprises a reverse side, in particular comprising reverse stitches, and a front side, in particular comprising right stitches. The front side of the knitted metal reinforcement is oriented opposite the outer covering 320, and the reverse side of the metal reinforcement is oriented opposite the at least one layer of foam 360. The front side of the knitted metal reinforcement is thus oriented opposite the initiation point of the tear. The outer covering 320, the material 340, and the foam 360 are mounted and secured to a support 380.

Claims

Demands

1. Vandalism and fire protection material (10,340) comprising a metallic reinforcement layer (20) disposed between a first non-woven fibre fire barrier layer (30) and a second non-woven fibre fire barrier layer (40), characterized in that the metallic reinforcement layer (20) is a knitted metallic reinforcement comprising one or more monofilament metallic yarn(s) having a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 mm, and in that the knitted metallic reinforcement (20) has a number of mesh columns per 25.4 mm greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10.

2. Protective material (10,340) according to claim 1, characterized in that the knitted metal reinforcement (20) comprises one or more monofilament metal yarn(s) each having a diameter less than or equal to 0.15 mm.

3. Protective material (10,340) according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said protective material has a total surface mass greater than or equal to 100 g / m2 and less than or equal to 400 g / m2, and in that said knitted metal reinforcement has a surface mass greater than or equal to 30 g / m2 and less than or equal to 120 g / m2.

4. Protective material (10,340) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the knitted metal reinforcement (20) comprises meshes each of which comprises one to three monofilament metal wire(s).

5. Protective material (10,340) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first fire barrier layer (30) comprises at least 60% by mass of heat-stable non-woven fibers.

6. Protective material (10,340) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first fire barrier layer (30) comprises at least 60% by mass, relative to the total mass of said first fire barrier layer (30), of aramid fibers, in particular meta-aramid.

7. Protective material (10,340) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first layer fire barrier (10,340) has a volumetric mass greater than or equal to 20 Kg / m3 and less than or equal to 100 Kg / m3.

8. Protective material (10,340) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first fire barrier layer (30) comprises thermostable fibers having a length greater than or equal to 35 mm and less than or equal to 100 mm, and a linear mass less than or equal to 10 dtex.

9. Protective material (10,340) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first and second fire barrier layers (30,40) are each a non-woven fibre mat comprising at least 70% by mass of aramid fibres, said mat having a surface mass greater than or equal to 60 g / m2 and less than or equal to 100 g / m2, the knitted metal reinforcement (20) has a surface mass greater than or equal to 50 g / m2 and less than or equal to 120 g / m2 and comprises at least one monofilament metal yarn having a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 mm, said knitted metal reinforcement (20) comprising a number of mesh columns less than or equal to 8 by 25.4 mm.

10. Protective material (10,340) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first and second fire barrier layers (30,40) are bonded to the knitted metal reinforcement (20) by at least one of the following means: by an adhesive agent, by a bonding thread, in particular having a number (Nm) from 15 to 40, by fibers of the first fire barrier layer (30) and / or fibers of the second fire barrier layer (40) entangled in said knitted metal reinforcement (20), to form a monolithic material (10,340).

11. A method for manufacturing a vandalism and fire-resistant material (10, 340), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises the steps: - a knitted metal reinforcement (20) is placed between first and second fire-barrier layers of non-woven fibers (30, 40), said knitted metal reinforcement (20) comprising one or more monofilament metal yarns, said monofilament metal yarn(s) having a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 mm, and in that the knitted metal reinforcement (20) has a number of columns of meshes per 25.4 mm greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10; - the first and second layers of fire barriers (30,40) are joined together with said knitted metal reinforcement (20) with at least one of the following means: a sprayed adhesive agent, a heat-activated hotmelt film, a sewn bonding thread, by hydrobonding, or a combination of these.

12. A manufacturing process according to claim 11, characterized in that said protective material has a total surface mass greater than or equal to 100 g / m2 and less than or equal to 400 g / m2, and in that said knitted metal reinforcement has a surface mass greater than or equal to 30 g / m2 and less than or equal to 120 g / m2.

13. Use of the fire and vandal-resistant material (10,340) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for the manufacture of a seat (300), in particular for a means of public transport, characterized in that said seat (300) comprises in this order: an outer covering (320), said fire and vandal-resistant material (10,340), and at least one layer of foam (360), and in that said knitted metal reinforcement (20) of said fire and vandal-resistant material (10,340) comprises a back face and a front face, and the front face of the knitted metal reinforcement (20) is oriented towards the outer covering (320), and the back face of the knitted metal reinforcement (20) is oriented towards said at least one layer of foam (360).

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