Investigation of Sealed Seams Properties of Moisture Barrier Layer in Firefighters Clothing

Abstract

This study presents an experimental investigation of sealed seams performance of two types of nonwoven fireproof fabrics laminated with bicomponent and hydrophilic membrane, which are used for moisture barrier layer in firefighters clothing. Seam strength in longitudinal and cross direction and resistance to water penetration were determined for investigation of quality of sealed seams with thermoplastic polyurethane tape. Determining the efficiency of sealed seams, optimal sealing parameters (temperature, sealing speed and quill pressure) were identified in order to achieve good seam performance. The experimental relations and empirical equations for the seam strength and resistance to water penetration determined in this research can be used to predict efficiency of seams quality applying different parameters of seam sealing process.

Seam Performance of Nonwoven Apparel Fabrics

“…They used moisture barriers of firefighter clothes as nonwoven fabrics. [12]. In some other studies, usability of ultrasonic welding for assembling the nonwoven fabrics were investigated [5,[13][14][15].…”

Artificial Neural Network-based Prediction Technique for Waterproofness of Seams Obtained by Using Fusible Threads

“…Waterproofing is a topic that has a wide coverage in the literature, and with the increasing interest in functional clothing, it has come to the fore even more. The subjects examined in some studies on waterproof joining processes are, for example, the investigation of optimal sealing parameters using the combination of ultrasonic welding-thermo adhesive tape sealing, ultrasonic welding parameters such as the strength, bonding force, seam thickness, seam stiffness of textile bonded seams, water permeability of sealing technological elements' resistance to penetration, and the ultimate tensile strength, as well as the effect of seam sealing on adhesion strength after washing [1][2][3][4][5]. Apart from the known methods of obtaining waterproof seams, fusible threads were used for this purpose for the first time.…”

Multicriteria Optimization of the Mechanical Properties in Laminated Seams

“…Adhesive bonding offers many advantages in good performance and aesthetic appearance as well as speed and economy of the process compared to traditional thread seams. Sealed seams have the barrier properties in respect to heat, moisture and other environmental parameters [1][2][3]. The technological parameters of tapes are usually defined by manufacturers [4,5].…”

“…The experiment was implemented according to the research program developed on the basis of a three-factorial plan(3 3 ) with the following input factors: X 1 -temperature T [ • C], X 2 -time t [s], X 3 -pressure p•10 4 [N/m 2 ]. The use of standard experiment plans was preceded by encoding the factors according to the rule presented below.Encoded value = mechanical index − central mechanical index unit of variation(1) …”