Fire Resistant Textile with Wool-Cellulose Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire resistant textile materials are heavy, lack breathability, and inefficient in moisture management, leading to discomfort and increased risk of scald burns, while failing to meet the requirements of key flammability regulations such as EN 469 with a desirable fabric weight.
Innovation Solution
A fire resistant textile material comprising an outer layer of polyparaphenylene isophthalamide (meta-aramid) fibres, an inner layer of polyparaphenylene terephthalamide (para-aramid) fibres, and an intermediate layer of a blend of wool and cellulose fibres, with a twill weave structure that creates an open structure for improved breathability and moisture management, while maintaining strength and thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fire resistant textile materials are used, then flame resistance and thermal protection are achieved, but the material becomes heavy and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining three distinct woven layers: an outer layer of meta-aramid fibres for thermal resistance, an intermediate layer of wool and cellulose blend for moisture management, and an inner layer of para-aramid fibres for structural strength. This multi-material composite structure achieves flame resistance while reducing overall weight compared to conventional single-material fire resistant textiles.
2Reliability
If conventional fire resistant textile materials are used, then thermal protection is provided, but breathability and moisture management are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional properties to different layers of the textile structure. The outer meta-aramid layer provides thermal protection and flame resistance, while the intermediate wool-cellulose layer specifically addresses moisture management and breathability, and the inner para-aramid layer provides structural support. Each layer is optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between thermal protection and breathability.
3Reliability
If conventional fire resistant textile materials are used, then flame resistance is achieved, but moisture management efficiency is poor leading to scald burn risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate layer of wool and cellulose blend between the outer thermal protection layer and the inner structural layer. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that efficiently manages moisture by wicking sweat away from the skin through capillary action, preventing steam formation and scald burns, while allowing the outer layer to maintain its flame resistance function.
4Weight of moving object
If fabric weight is reduced to improve comfort, then breathability and moisture management improve, but meeting flammability regulations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with three strategically designed layers that together meet flammability regulations at a total fabric weight of around 250gsm. The outer meta-aramid layer provides flame resistance, the intermediate wool-cellulose layer adds thermal insulation and moisture management, and the inner para-aramid layer provides structural integrity. This composite structure achieves regulatory compliance at lower weight than conventional single-material textiles.
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 textile material is lightweight, breathable, and efficient in moisture management, reducing the risk of scald burns and meeting EN 469 standards with a fabric weight of around 250gsm or less, providing enhanced comfort and protection in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
a twill weave structure that creates an open structure for improved breathability
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate woven layer disposed between the outer and the inner woven layers and comprising a blend of wool fibres and cellulose fibres
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The present application describes a fire resistant textile material (100) comprising an outer woven layer (102) comprising polyparaphenylene isophthalamide (meta- aramid) fibres or a blend of meta-aramid with polyparaphenylene terephthalamide (para-aramid) fibres; an inner woven layer (106) comprising polyparaphenylene terephthalamide (para-aramide) fibres; and an intermediate woven layer (104) disposed between the outer and the inner woven layers and comprising a blend of wool fibres and cellulose fibres. A garment comprising such a material and a method of manufacturing such a material are also described.