When you are active in selecting protective clothing for areas with risks like molten metals, radiant heat and electric arc (ARC), then you most probably have heard of the terms FR treated and inherent FR. But what is the actual difference between the two and why is one cheaper than the other? With the explanation below, we hope to clarify the differences and help you make better choices in the future.
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Inherent FR
Inherent literally means “existing as a natural or basic part of something”. A nice synonym for inherent is intrinsic. So whenever you come across an inherent FR fabric, it indicates that at least one of the fibers used in that fabric has its own FR properties.
The most common FR fibers used in protective clothing are modacrylics and aramids. These fibers provide excellent protection against flames and heat. The higher the performance level of the fiber, the lower the weight you need to achieve a certain level of protection. And as a wearer, we generally prefer lightweight clothing because it’s much more breathable and thus comfortable than heavier clothing.
FR Treated
FR treated fabrics are based on cotton, blended with polyester, para-aramid or polyamide. These fabrics get their FR property from the chemical treatment that is applied to the fabric. This chemical treatment is executed in such a way that it fully penetrates the fiber and as such is bonded throughout the entire fabric. As a result of this treatment, the fabric becomes flame retardant and keeps this property during the lifetime of the garment.
What to choose when?
Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to this question. It mostly depends on the industry and the preferences of the users. However, to help you choose between the two, we have listed some typical pros and cons for each below:
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FR Treated
- PROS: very good protection against molten metal, good protection against heat and ARC, relatively cheap, good value for money in dirty environments where expected lifespan is not very long.
- CONS: wash fastness is typically not very good (pale look after several washes), to achieve similar FR properties as inherent FR the fabrics typically become a bit heavier and therefore tend to be a bit less comfortable.
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Inherent FR
- PROS: excellent heat and ARC protection, excellent colour fastness even after numerous washings hence good cost in use performance, typically lighter weight solutions with excellent comfort levels, typically used in less dirty environments where the corporate look is also important.
- CONS: limited protection against molten metal splash, typically a more expensive fabric than FR treated.
In general, it all comes down to your own needs and preferences. As these are often important decisions, we are more than happy to provide you with the right advice.
Aside from the type of FR fabric, which are the other industry trends you need to consider?
Selecting your new protective clothing is one of the most essential factors to create the best possible safety culture in your company. By reading this blog, you’re exploring the possibilities of certain fabric types. With the current technological progress that we are experiencing in the industry, it is necessary that you stay up to date. Do you want to learn more about fiber and fabric trends? Download our whitepaper and discover 6 of the newest industry trends in protective clothing.
Read our trend report
Learn about 6 important industry trends and improve the safety and comfort of your protective clothing:
Fabrics and textiles are highly combustible and prone to fire incidents in households, industrial, defense, and manufacturing sectors. As a result, how fabric can be treated with fire retardants has become a top priority for businesses and homeowners across the United States.
Today, fire retardant chemicals for fabrics are one of the most viable options to prevent them from catching fire.
This blog's major topic is how those fabrics can be treated with flame-retardant chemicals to reduce fires in different industries.
What Are Fire Retardants?
Fire retardants are chemicals that help prevent fire spread in textiles, plastics, building materials, electrical, transportation, and defense.
They can be efficiently applied to synthetic fibers' molecular structures as they transform gases and tars into carbon char, thus decreasing the fabric's burning pace.
Industrial workwear, fireman costumes, contractor attire, painter clothes, and so on all use different fire retardant sprays so the fabric burns slowly.
Chemically speaking, the molecular structures of flame retardants can are classified into the following categories:
Brominated (BRFs), carbon-based, chlorinated, antimony oxide, boron-based, minerals, phosphorus-containing, nitrogen-containing, silicon-based, synergists, and others.
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Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium Dihydroxide, organophosphorus, and others
How Can A Fabric Be Treated with Fire Retardant?
The process of treating fabric with fire retardantinvolves the application of special chemicals to reduce its flammability. Different methods exist for applying these chemicals, including spraying, dipping, or incorporating them into the fabric during manufacturing. The key is tocreate a barrierthat inhibits or delays the ignition and spread of flames when exposed to fire.
One common method involves using chemical treatments like bromine, chlorine, or phosphorous compounds. These substances disrupt combustion, making it harder for the fabric to catch fire or sustain flames. Recent tech advances have produced eco-friendly fire retardants, alleviating worries about conventional chemicals' health and environmental effects.
How Long Does Fire Retardant Last on Fabric?
The longevity of fire retardant treatments on fabric depends on various factors, including the type of treatment, application quality, and use frequency. Generally, fire retardancy is not a permanent feature; over time, it may diminish due to wear, washing, or exposure to environmental elements.
The durability of fire retardant treatments can be affected by the quality of the initial application. Fabrics treated with precision and high-quality chemicals will likely maintain their fire-resistant properties for extended periods. However, frequent washing or cleaning, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and abrasion can accelerate the deterioration of these treatments.
Manufacturers often provide guidelines on how to care for fire-retardant-treated fabrics to maximize their lifespan. Following these recommendations, such as using gentle cleaning methods and avoiding harsh chemicals, can prolong the treatment's effectiveness.
Fabric Treatment With Fire Retardants
There are two common methods for treating and making fire-resistant fabrics:
- Chemical Dipping: The material submerges in a chemical solution that serves as a flame-resistant barrier when absorbed into the fibers. These compounds undergo a chemical reaction when exposed to great heat.
- Coating Technique: Textile makers add a fire-retardant back coating to the cloth rather than soaking it. Nonetheless, this procedure renders the fabric rigid and stiff, resulting in less natural-looking drapery.
Many materials are used to treat textiles that come in the form of spray-on fire retardants for fabrics. These are some of the most often used chemicals applied to fabrics:
- Kevlar
- Twaron
- Indura fr cotton
- M5 fiber
- Nomex
- Coated nylon
- Carbon Foam
- Proban fr cotton
- PYROMEX
- Pyrovatex fr cotton
- Dale Anti flame
- Technora
- Teijinconex
- Lenzing FR
- PBI
- Carbon X
- Kanox
- Mazic
- Modacrylic
- Kermel, etc.
RDR Technologies for All Fire-Retardant Chemical Technologies
Now that you understand what fire retardant materials are, make sure to get them from a reputable vendor.
We collaborate with the nation's leading fire-retardant producers to provide you with a one-stop shop to meet your fire code needs.
If you require a special fire retardant or are unsure which product to buy according to your business field, feel free to contact us for an assessment.
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