Flame Resistant Fabric Fiber Blend Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-resistant fabrics for military personnel are expensive, lack moisture management properties, and have durability issues, making them unsuitable for comfort and camouflage applications.

Innovation Solution

A fiber blend comprising meta-aramid, para-aramid, and flame-resistant cellulose fibers, with polyamide fibers added to enhance durability without compromising fire resistance, and a herringbone weave for improved properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inherently flame resistant fibers (aramid) are used to produce fire resistant garments, then flame resistant properties are improved, but cost increases and moisture management properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame resistant propertiesVSAvoidmoisture management properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by blending inherently flame resistant aramid fibers with flame retardant-treated cellulose fibers (FR rayon, FR acetate, or FR lyocell) in specific ratios (55-85% aramid, 15-45% cellulose). This composite fiber blend creates a fabric that combines the fire resistance of aramid with the moisture management and comfort properties of cellulose fibers, resolving the contradiction between flame resistance and moisture management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If inherently flame resistant fibers are used to produce garments, then flame resistant properties are improved, but the fabrics become difficult to dye and print

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame resistant propertiesVSAvoiddyeing and printing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining aramid fibers with flame retardant-treated cellulose fibers that have superior dyeability. The cellulose component (FR rayon, acetate, or lyocell) readily accepts dyes and printed patterns, while the aramid provides flame resistance. This composite approach allows the fabric to be easily dyed and printed while maintaining fire resistant properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If cellulose fibers are added to improve comfort and moisture management, then moisture management properties are improved, but fire resistant properties are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture management propertiesVSAvoidfire resistant properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the cellulose fibers with flame retardant composition before blending them with aramid fibers. The cellulose fibers are treated with flame retardant chemicals (such as phosphorus-based, nitrogen-based, or boron-based compounds) to impart fire resistant properties. This preliminary treatment ensures that when cellulose fibers are added to improve moisture management, they already possess fire resistant capabilities, thus not compromising the overall flame resistance of the fabric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining inherently flame resistant aramid fibers with flame retardant-treated cellulose fibers in specific ratios. The flame retardant treatment on cellulose fibers (through chemical impregnation or coating) creates a composite fiber system where both components contribute to fire resistance, while the cellulose provides moisture management benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If aramid and cellulose fibers are blended, then moisture management and comfort are improved, but durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture management propertiesVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the fiber blend ratio, specifying 55-85% aramid fibers and 15-45% flame retardant-treated cellulose fibers. This specific parameter range ensures that sufficient aramid content (the stronger fiber) maintains fabric durability and strength, while adequate cellulose content provides moisture management and comfort. The balanced composition resolves the contradiction between comfort and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2534289B1Flame resistant fabric made from a fiber blend

Publication Date: 2014.07.16 INT TEXTILE GRP

Figure 1

AI summary

Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.