Fiber Blends for Flame-Resistant Garments with Moisture Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flame-resistant fabrics often lack comfort and moisture management properties, leading to decreased wearer compliance due to discomfort, and may lose flame-resistance after repeated laundering.
Innovation Solution
A fiber blend comprising 30-70% hydrophobic fibers like modacrylic or fluoropolymer, 15-45% hydrophilic fibers such as cellulose, and 10-30% structural fibers like aramid, with optional antistatic fibers, which balances thermal protection and moisture management for improved comfort and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flame-resistant fibers (modacrylic, aramid) are used to provide thermal protection, then flame resistance and thermal protection are improved, but moisture management and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by blending flame-resistant fibers (modacrylic, aramid) with hydrophilic moisture-wicking fibers (polyester, cotton, rayon) in specific ratios. This composite fiber blend integrates the flame resistance of synthetic fibers with the moisture management capabilities of hydrophilic fibers, resolving the contradiction between thermal protection and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different functional properties to different fiber components within the blend. The flame-resistant fibers provide localized thermal protection where needed, while the hydrophilic fibers provide localized moisture wicking in areas requiring comfort, allowing both functions to coexist in the same fabric structure.
2Reliability
If flame-resistant composition is applied to fabric to render it flame-resistant, then flame resistance is improved, but durability after laundering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using inherently flame-resistant fibers (modacrylic, aramid) that possess flame-resistant properties within their fiber structure. These fibers do not require external chemical compositions and maintain their flame resistance through repeated laundering cycles, as the flame resistance is an intrinsic property of the fiber rather than a surface treatment that can wash away.
3Temperature
If fabric weight is increased to provide thermal protection, then thermal protection is improved, but abrasion resistance and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the fiber composition ratios and fabric weight parameters to achieve the minimum necessary thermal protection while maintaining abrasion resistance. By carefully selecting the blend composition (e.g., 55-70% modacrylic, 10-30% aramid, 10-30% hydrophilic fibers) and controlling fabric weight, the patent achieves thermal protection without excessive weight that would compromise abrasion resistance and wearer comfort.
4Ease of operation
If hydrophilic fibers are added to improve moisture management, then moisture management is improved, but flame resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a multi-component fiber blend where hydrophilic moisture-wicking fibers (polyester, cotton, rayon) are combined with flame-resistant fibers (modacrylic, aramid) in specific ratios. This composite structure ensures that the hydrophilic fibers provide moisture management while the flame-resistant fibers maintain the fabric's flame resistance, with the overall blend meeting flame resistance standards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fiber blend provides effective protection against burns, maintains flame-resistance after washing, and enhances moisture management and abrasion resistance, ensuring both safety and comfort for the wearer.
Implementation Method 1
about 30-70%, by weight, based on the total weight of the fiber blend, of a hydrophobic fiber component comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of modacrylic, fluoropolymer
Implementation Method 2
about 15-45%, by weight, based on the total weight of the fiber blend, of a hydrophilic fiber component comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of cellulose, cellulose derivatives
Implementation Method 3
about 10-30%, by weight, based on the total weight of the fiber blend, of at least one structural fiber component comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of aramid fiber
Implementation Method 4
The fiber blend provides effective protection against burns, maintains flame-resistance after washing, and enhances moisture management and abrasion resistance
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal, abrasion resistance, and moisture management properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a hydrophobic fiber component, a hydrophilic fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties and abrasion resistance, such as fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.