Introduction


Fabric that is certifiedas FR has been topically treated in an immersion process with a chemical fireretardant after the fabric has been woven. All cottons and other natural fiberscertified as flame retardant are FR topically treated. Some synthetic fabricsare also topically treated. Because the treatment is topical, it will wear outin time, and repeated cleanings will cause the flame retardancy to dissolvesooner. Most flame proofing chemicals are water soluble and will also dissipatethrough dry cleaning. Draperies made from FR fabrics should be re-testedperiodically for flame retardancy, as retreatment may be required. For thisreason, FR flame retardancy is certified for only one year.


Fabric Flammabilty:


Fabric flammability is animportant issue to consider, especially for drapery that will be used in apublic space such as a school, theatre or special event venue, since federalregulations require that drapery fabrics used in such spaces be certified asfire retardant. Although all fabric will burn, some are naturally moreresistant to fire than others. Those that are more flammable can have theirfire resistance drastically improved by treatment with flame retardantchemicals.


Certain synthetic fibersare extremely flame resistant, including glass fibers and modacrylic. Othersynthetics, including certain polyesters, are slow to ignite and may evenself-extinguish. Natural fibers typically do not melt. Wool and silk burnslowly, are difficult to ignite, and may self-extinguish. With other untreatednatural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, the fabric can ignite quickly,resulting in a fast moving flame spread. Fabrics that include a combination ofnatural and synthetic fibers, such as polyester-cotton blends, can beparticularly troublesome, as they combine the fast ignition and flame spread ofthe natural fiber with the melting aspect of the synthetic fiber.


The ignition and burnfactors of fabric are also affected by the weight and weave of the fabric.Lightweight, loose weave fabrics will burn more quickly than heavier fabricswith a tight weave.In addition, fabric flammability can also be affected by thefabrics surface texture, with napped fabrics (such as velvets and velours)igniting more easily than fabrics with a smooth surface.


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About the Author:


Authors are students of Govt.Poly.Solapur

Thispaper was also presented at event under national level grand fiestaPRAGYAA-2010 Department of Textile Technology of SG G S I E &T., Nanded.