On July 18, 2019, the first studio of Kyoto Animation in Japan was set on fire, with a total area of 691 square meters of buildings completely destroyed, resulting in 69 victims and 36 deaths. According to the investigation, there may have been an explosion at the scene of the fire, with flames and thick smoke rapidly spreading, causing most people to be unable to escape in a timely manner. Besides, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, the death toll from residential fires has increased by 89%. In 2020, 18 fire incidents were reported,, 11 in 2021, and 19 in 2022. These tragedies constantly remind us of indoor and outdoor fire safety and the increasing importance of using flame-retardant cloth.
The Science behind Fire Retardant Cloth
Cover Layer Effect
After being heated, the flame retardant melts on the surface of the fiber material to form a glass-like coating, which becomes a barrier between the condensed phase and the flame. This can isolate oxygen, prevent the diffusion of flammable gases, block heat conduction and radiation, reduce the heat feedback to the fiber material, and thus suppress thermal cracking and combustion reactions. For example, the flame retardant mechanism of borax boric acid mixed flame retardants on fibers can be explained by this theory. Boric acid can dehydrate, soften, and melt at high temperatures to form an impermeable glass layer that adheres to the surface of fibers.
Gas Dilution Effect
Flame retardants release noncombustible gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, etc. after endothermic decomposition, which dilutes combustible gases or dilute them. Flame retardants release noncombustible gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, etc. after endothermic decomposition, which dilute combustible gases or dilutes them.
Endothermic Effect
Some high-heat capacity flame retardants undergo phase transition or endothermic decomposition reactions such as dehydration and dehydrohalogenation at high temperatures, reducing the temperature of the fiber material surface and flame zone, slowing down the rate of thermal cracking reactions, and suppressing the generation of flammable gases. When trihydrate alumina decomposes, it can release water and consume a large amount of dehydration heat; The transformation of water into a gas phase also requires the absorption of a large amount of heat.
Importance of Fire Retardant Cloth in Home Safety
Bedding and Upholstery
Fire retardant cloths are especially beneficial when used in bedding and upholstery since they reduce the risk of fire caused by several hazards, such as candles, electric equipment, and smoking materials. As a result, using these things at home will reduce the exposure to the fires and provide an essential level of safety. One of the key advantages of such materials is that they also improve the aesthetic value, giving an opportunity to use beauty with function in the residential items.
Curtains and Drapes
Being an indispensable part of safety in every household, fire retardant fabric curtains and drapes are the products many people justify their investments in. By featuring materials that resist flame and, thus, protect apartments and houses from accidental fires caused by exterior sources, fire retardant drapes can be defined as a perfect safety measure, as well as an elegant addition to a household. Moreover, fire retardant fabric curtains can be deemed a perfect investment for people residing in multi-family houses or rents, as they enhance the feeling of safety by offering an additional source of safety.
Home Clothing
It is essential to use flame-retardant fabrics in home clothing. BEGOODTEX children’s pajamas use permanent flame retardant fibers, which can effectively prevent the spread of flames, slow down the burning rate, and protect children’s personal safety in potential fire hazards. In addition, the specially treated surface of pajamas can inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, providing children with a healthier and more comfortable wearing experience with excellent antibacterial and cleaning properties.
Enhancing Outdoor Safety with Fire Retardant Cloth
Hiking and Adventure Gear
The popularity of the usage of fire retardant cloth in hiking and adventure gear is increasingly growing. As hiking and adventure gear is aimed to be used in unpredictable environments, the presence of flame-resistant materials will work to protect people from any fire that might emerge unexpectedly and at the most inconvenient time. This will eventually add to the safety features for those going hiking and working outdoors.
Workwear for High-Risk Occupations
In highly hazardous occupations such as electrical technicians, welders, and others, the use of fire retardant clothing is one of the experienced and most common measures to safeguard against existing danger in their environments. The clothing made from textiles that meet the standard as per NFPA 2112 or ASTM F1506 ensures that facility owners and staff personnel are protected from flames and other such high temperature hazards. Fire resistant cloth is durable and reliable for use in fire retardant industrial workwear, and it is likely to contribute to the enhanced regulations on the safety of the people from the facility to the world at large by reducing injuries and increasing productivity as well as boosting confidence in work.
Public Event Supplies
The outdoor public environment is more complex and often has more unexpected potential fire hazards. It is necessary to use flame retardant cloth to prevent fire in major events, which is also the responsibility of the event organizers. BEGOODTEX provides a wide range of event supplies, including tablecloths, table skirts, and chair covers, which can be widely applied to different specific events such as weddings, theaters, business meetings, and more. Using high-quality flame-retardant fabrics can demonstrate the safety, aesthetics, and professionalism of event.
Benefits of Using Fire Retardant Cloth in Safety Measures
Minimizing Risks of Severe Injuries and Deaths
Implementation of a fire retardant cloth is instrumental in diminishing the probability of serious injuries and fatalities during fire-related incidents. By incorporating these specialized materials into an individual’s clothing, upholster, and structural elements, flames propagate at a significantly decreased pace. This buys people more time in order to escape the vicinity of a fire and ultimately alters the course of emergencies.
Increasing Productivity and Safety Awareness
One of the ways fire retardant cloth is applied in numerous settings is to foster an increased safety awareness in individuals. For example, when employees or residents know that their clothes or building features flammable-resistant materials, they are more likely to feel safer. Since this type of cloth is useful to protect people and goods from fires, this contributes to not only individual safety but also the safety culture of your company or community. Knowing they are safeguarded, workers feel safe to do their tasks without constantly worrying about getting hurt by fire hazards, increasing productivity.
Long-term Cost Effectiveness
Although the first realized cost of the fire retardant cloth may be high, its overall cost-effectiveness should not be underestimated. It reduces the frequency and intensity of fires, and, thus, homeowners save a considerable amount of money in the long run as a result of lesser damage to their property and liabilities. In addition, flame-resistant material usually means lower insurance premiums. Homeowners, who buy any kind of flame-resistant fabric, may freely demand an insurance discount for it. It seems, therefore, that using fire retardant cloth is both safe and cost-effective from a long-term perspective.
BEGOODTEX is committed to providing high-quality flame retardant fabric products that cover different indoor and outdoor usage scenarios. Not only does it meet strict safety standards, but it also incorporates practical technology according to actual situations. The flame retardant cloth provided by BEGOODTEX is designed to meet high safety standards, not only enhancing safety but also providing additional value in terms of aesthetics and durability. Both indoor and outdoor products are the top choice!
