Modacrylic-Viscose Flame Resistant Base Layer Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional base layer apparel made of cotton or synthetic flame-resistant materials lacks long-term flame resistance, moisture absorbency, and comfort, especially for military personnel exposed to hazardous conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fabric blend of at least sixty percent modacrylic fibers and up to forty percent flame-resistant viscose fibers, combined with a double-knit construction and chemical treatments like wicking agents and anti-microbial treatments, to create a comfortable and effective flame-resistant base layer apparel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cotton base layer apparel is treated with chemical flame resistance, then flame resistance is provided, but the chemical treatment degrades over time through wear and laundering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by blending modacrylic fibers (which provide inherent flame resistance) with cotton fibers. This creates a composite yarn where the modacrylic component maintains flame resistance without degrading through laundering, while the cotton provides comfort and absorbency. The inherent flame resistance of modacrylic eliminates the need for degradable chemical treatments.
2Reliability
If synthetic flame resistant materials are used, then flame resistance is provided, but moisture absorbency and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a blended fabric where different regions (fibers) have different properties. The modacrylic fibers provide flame resistance where needed, while the cotton fibers provide moisture absorbency and softness against the skin. This local differentiation of material properties within the same fabric allows simultaneous achievement of flame resistance and comfort.
3Reliability
If flame resistant viscose fibers are used, then flame resistance is improved, but moisture absorbency is reduced due to hydrophobic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by blending flame resistant viscose fibers with modacrylic and cotton fibers. The cotton component specifically addresses the moisture absorbency deficiency of the viscose, while the modacrylic maintains flame resistance. The composite blend compensates for the hydrophobic nature of viscose through the hydrophilic properties of cotton.
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 fabric provides long-term flame resistance, moisture wicking, and comfort, enhancing personal protection and performance in high-risk environments.
Implementation Method 1
One of the two sides of the double-knit fabric version is knitted as an open mesh, or foramenous, structure. This open mesh side is defined by openings between the yarns that are larger than the openings between the yarns on the opposite side of the fabric. As will be more apparent from the detailed description that follows, this double-knit construction is helpful to induce moisture migration (wicking) outwardly away from the wearer's skin.
Implementation Method 2
One chemical is a wicking agent that may be applied during the jet dyeing process to facilitate movement of moisture throughout the fabric during wear.
Data Source
AI summary
A base layer apparel is provided that is formed from a single or double-knit fabric. The fabric is formed of ring spun fire resistant yarns that are an intimate blend of at least 60 percent modacrylic fibers and up to 40 percent fire-resistant viscose fibers. Anti-microbial and wicking treatments may be applied to the knit fabric.