Characterising textiles' burning behaviour
Incorporation of particular components with specialised properties allows manufacturers to tailor raw materials for end products with enhanced functional performance as well as safety, besides comfort and aesthetics. Novel formulations of fire-retardant additives used for finishing textile materials may play a significant role in safeguarding property and life, by inhibiting the combustion process at different stages. As fire retardant compounds tend to be extremely material specific, research work within the NEREFITE project focused on compatibility with protective materials and their stability throughout processing. All data obtained on physicochemical properties of fire-retardant materials and fire characteristics from flammability to effluent release and ignition were summarised in a readily retrievable database. The comprehensive fire behaviour characterisation will allow the materials' potential for implementation in different fire scenarios to be assessed. When evaluating materials for use in a given situation, it will also provide detailed rationale for compounds requirements in codes and standards to be used in performance-based textile engineering.
