Fabric flammability is an important issue to consider, especially for drapery that will be used in a public space such as a school, theatre or special event venue, since federal regulations require that drapery fabrics used in such spaces be certified as fire retardant.
For more information, please visit is cotton fire resistant.
Although all fabric will burn, some are naturally more resistant to fire than others. ( See our whitepaper: &#;What&#;s the Difference Between Flame Retardant vs Flame Proof&#; ) Those that are more flammable can have their fire resistance drastically improved by treatment with flame retardant chemicals.
Certain synthetic fibers are extremely flame resistant, including glass fibers and modacrylic. Other synthetics, including certain polyesters, are slow to ignite and may even self-extinguish. However, once synthetic fabrics ignite, they will melt rather than flame. The resulting substance can lead to severe burns if it comes into contact with the skin.
Natural fibers typically do not melt. Wool and silk burn slowly, are difficult to ignite, and may self-extinguish. With other untreated natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, the fabric can ignite quickly, resulting in a fast moving flame spread. Fabrics that include a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, such as polyester-cotton blends, can be particularly troublesome, as they combine the fast ignition and flame spread of the natural fiber with the melting aspect of the synthetic fiber.
The ignition and burn factors of fabric are also affected by the weight and weave of the fabric. Lightweight, loose weave fabrics will burn more quickly than heavier fabrics with a tight weave. In addition, fabric flammability can also be affected by the fabric&#;s surface texture, with napped fabrics (such as velvets and velours) igniting more easily than fabrics with a smooth surface.
Permanently Flame Retardant Fabrics vs. Treated Flame Retardant Fabrics
The good news is that the flammability of fabric can be drastically reduced through the use of fire retardants. Many natural fibers, including cotton, can be topically treated with a chemical that reduces the fabric&#;s flammability to the extent that it becomes nearly non-combustible. During a fire, the chemical reacts with the gases and tars generated naturally by the fabric, converting the gases and tars to carbon char, thus drastically slowing the fabric&#;s burning rate.
Some polyester fabrics are considered permanently flame retardant. This is because the fabrics are manufactured utilizing fibers for which the flame retardant properties are built directly into the molecular structure of the fibers. Fabrics manufactured utilizing Trevira&#; and Avora&#; polyester fibers are considered inherently or permanently fire retardant.
Other synthetic fabrics may be considered durably fire retardant, fire retardant, or non-fire retardant. &#;Durably fire retardant&#; refers to a process in which polyesters are chemically treated during the manufacturing process with a non-water soluble chemical. In other cases, synthetic fabrics may be topically treated with chemicals after the manufacturing process (in the same manner as natural fibers such as cotton), or may be untreated (or untreatable) and therefore considered non-flame retardant.
When a fabric is designated as &#;inherently flame retardant,&#; &#;permanently flame retardant,&#; or &#;durably flame retardant,&#; the flame retardancy will last for the life of the fabric. The drapery can be laundered or dry-cleaned as recommended by the drapery manufacturer.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website is cotton flame retardant.
In the case of fabrics that are designated as &#;flame retardant,&#; that have been topically treated with chemicals, the flame retardancy of the fabric will dissipate over time, particularly with repeated cleaning. These fabrics must be dry-cleaned with a non-liquid cleaning agent.
One of the five common misconceptions around flame retardancy is that it is good forever. Typically, the flame retardancy of topically treated fabric is certified for one year, though the actual length of time in which the treatment remains effective will vary based on the number of times the drapery is dry-cleaned and the environmental conditions in the location in which the drapery is used. It is recommended that topically treated drapery be re-tested for flame retardancy on an annual basis, and re-treated by a qualified professional as needed.
We have provided information on some aspects of the flame retardancy and fabric flammability issues here on our website. For more information, feel free to browse the other articles in this Flame Retardancy section of our website.
Of course Sew What? is also happy to lend our expertise as part of your drapery purchase or in regards to providing a quote. To get started just call us at (310) 639- or contact us for a free quote.
All textiles can burn, but their properties are extremely different. For example, did you know that you should never wear acrylic clothing near a bonfire?
What you should know before you light a bonfire.
If you're buying clothing for children, you should pay particular attention to the product&#;s flammability. Ask the sales personnel or check the label yourself.
The structure of the material makes a difference to how it burns. Thin, lightweight textiles that provide plenty of air catch fire and burn quickly. Materials that have a woolly, coarse or porous surface are more flammable than materials with a smooth, impermeable surface.
It is easier for wide-fitting, billowy clothes to come into contact with flames than tight-fitting clothes. Wide sleeves, floaty dresses and lightweight, trailing scarves are particularly vulnerable. These clothes also burn faster than close-fitting clothes because there is more air available. Remember this when you buy costumes for children.
Clothes may also contain chemicals that are harmful to health and the environment. Erdetfarlig.no tells you which chemicals you should avoid.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit is cotton heat resistant.