Analysis of the Outer Layer Performance of Fire Protective Clothing

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyse the protection performance of fire-protective clothing. Various exposures to the same fabric in different configurations result in different protection performances. Box-Behnken experiment design was used to optimize the process parameters such as pick density (P), heat flux (Q), and air gap (D). Through surface methodology response, the relationship among the process parameters such as pick density (P), heat flux (Q), and air gap (D) was established. The experimental multi-parametric equation for calculating the radiant protection time (RT) and flame protection time (FT) was acquired. The fabric used was developed with 2/40 Ne Nomex IIIA yarns. The pick density (P) ranged from 40 to 64 picks per inch, heat flux (Q) ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 cal/cm2/sec, and air gap (D) ranged from 0 to 25 mm. To experimentally determine the level of protection, Stoll criteria were used. The experimental and predicted protection time values show a high correlation coefficient value (R2 = 0.985 for radiant and 0.978 for flame). The maximum improvement in protection was obtained at a high level of air gap (25 mm), low level of heat flux (0.5 cal/cm2/sec) and low level of pick density (40 picks per inch). Obtained results, calculations and equations will help researchers explore the empirical equation of the Box-Behnken model and other surface response curves. The values of protection time, in the specified range of the process parameters, by a single calculation could be possible to obtain.