Aramid/alginate blended nonwoven fabrics: thermal degradation properties, flame-retardant mechanism and smoke suppression
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
ISSN: 0955-6222
Article publication date: 5 December 2023
Issue publication date: 13 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper the aim is that Aramid/alginate blended nonwoven fabrics were prepared, and the flame retardancy of the blended nonwoven fabrics was studied by thermogravimetric analysis, vertical flame test, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter test.
Design/methodology/approach
The advantages of different fibers can be combined by blending, and the defects may be remedied. The study investigates whether incorporating alginate fibers into aramid fibers can enhance the flame retardancy and reduce the smoke production of prepared aramid/alginate blended nonwoven fabrics.
Findings
Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that alginate fibers could effectively inhibit the combustion performance of aramid fibers at a higher temperature zone, leaving more residual chars for heat isolation. And vertical flame test, LOI and cone calorimeter test testified that the incorporation of alginate fibers improved the flame retardancy and fire behaviors. When the ratio of alginate fibers for aramid/alginate blended nonwoven fabrics reached 80%, the incorporation of alginate fibers could notably decreased peak-heat release rate (54%), total heat release (THR) (29%), peak-smoke production rate (93%) and total smoke production (86%). What is more, the lower smoke production rate and lower THR of the blends vastly reduced the risk of secondary injury in fires.
Originality/value
This study proposes to inhibit the flue gas release of aramid fiber and enhance the flame retardant by mixing with alginate fiber, and proposes that alginate fiber can be used as a biological smoke inhibitor, as well as a flame retardant for aramid fiber.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledgment the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52073151), the National Natural Science Foundation of Shangdong, China (ZR2019PEE022), the Opening Fund of China National Textile and Apparel Council Key Laboratory of Flexible Devices for Intelligent Textile and Apparel, Soochow University (SDHY2106) and Science and Technology guidance project of China Textile Industry Federation (2018078). The authors would also like to thank Textile and Clothing College Experimental Teaching Center of Qingdao University for providing the experimental equipment and site.
Citation
Li, Y., Xia, Y., Li, M., Liu, J., Yu, M. and Li, Y. (2024), "Aramid/alginate blended nonwoven fabrics: thermal degradation properties, flame-retardant mechanism and smoke suppression", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 52-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-04-2023-0063
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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