Biometric-based Flame Retardant Materials for Combat Uniforms and Equipment: Coatings/Fibers Developed from Sustainable and Green Processes

There are currently several options for flame retardant materials for a variety of civilian and military uses, most all of these flame retardants are based on halogens and minerals that are harmful and toxic chemicals. Therefore, more environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternatives are needed as the public becomes more aware of the environmental issues facing the planet. Lynntech’s approach will be to use a non-toxic, renewable plant extract to develop a novel fire retardant compound. Material will be isolated, purified, identified and evaluated for its FR properties. The new material will be then covalently grafted in polymeric form on to the cotton based fabric surfaces to produce breathable, comfortable fabric materials that will be permanently fire resistant. Fire retardant, physical properties and toxicity of the modified surfaces will be analyzed. The overall goal is to take existing fabrics, with their desirable physical properties and high level of comfort, and add a flame retardant capability. The functionalized textile material will have thermal stability, reduction in smoke generation and flammability, reasonable cost, no skin and environmental toxicity, and permanence while retaining desired properties of the starting material. Our novel flame resistant textile material will withstand harsh conditions without leaching of the agents.