Engineering an Undergarment for Flash/Flame Protection

Abstract

This paper presents a continuation of projects spanning the last two years. In year one, the physical characteristics and medical effects of burns and Improvised Explosive Device, IED, blasts were investigated [1]. In year two, the possible use of commercial intumescent materials with fabric was studied [2]. The identified needs for research into the effect of undergarments on burn protection are focused in this study. Additionally, Thermal Protective Performance, TPP-(ISO 17492) and Air Permeability, AP-(ASTM D737) tests were performed to gather the data needed for the analysis of flame and thermal resistance as well as comfort and breathability. Out of the seven samples evaluated, the Sample D, composed of 94% m-aramid, 5 % p-aramid and 1% static dissipative fiber, shirt had the best overall performance in terms of air permeability, average TPP rating, and time to second degree burn. Another finding was that polyester undershirts may be dangerous in the event of a flash fire situation because the fabric could melt and stick to the Soldier's skin causing more severe burn injury. Additionally, an initial framework for a basic mathematical model representing the system was created. This model can be further refined to yield more accurate results and eventually be used to help predict the material properties required in fabrics to design a more protective undergarment.Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it

The Effect of Blast-Related Burn Injuries from Prolonged Field Care to Rehabilitation and Resilience: A Review of the Scientific Literature

“…Studies have highlighted the unique challenges associated with designing thermal protective clothing for military personnel. Service members, particularly those who are expected to operate on the ground in a combat setting, have different garment requirements from, for example, firefighters, whose clothing can be nearly fully flame resistant for short periods (Hull et al, 2012). For example, service members must maintain mobility in very hot settings for long periods of time and might not be able to accommodate potential cooling technologies, such as a water-cooled vest (Hull et al, 2012).…”

“…Service members, particularly those who are expected to operate on the ground in a combat setting, have different garment requirements from, for example, firefighters, whose clothing can be nearly fully flame resistant for short periods (Hull et al, 2012). For example, service members must maintain mobility in very hot settings for long periods of time and might not be able to accommodate potential cooling technologies, such as a water-cooled vest (Hull et al, 2012). Champion, Holcomb, and Young, 2009, note that clothing will need to balance protection and combat efficiency.…”

Thermal resistance testing of standard and protective filtering military garment on the burning napalm mixture

“…Conventional textiles can be rendered flame retardant by chemical after-treatments as co-monomers in their structures, or by use of flame retardant additives during extrusion. High performance fibers with inherently high levels of flame and heat resistance require the synthesis of all aromatic structures, but these are expensive and used only when performance requirements justify cost [2].…”