Development of a Lightweight, More Comfortable, and Durable Clothing Ensemble with Improved Flame-Resistant Properties

Current Marine Corps combat utility uniforms are not flame retardant. They do not self-extinguish after a flame exposure, which can lead to increased burn injuries. Furthermore synthetic materials, used in many types of garments, can melt and fuse onto the skin causing serious burn injuries in a flash fire. Improvised Explosive Devices have become common in combat today exposing soldiers to extra risks of injury, due to flash fire and extreme heat exposure. Improvements in the flame retardant properties of Marine Corps uniforms are desired. Existing techniques for producing flame retardant clothing have significant limitations. Either they are bulky and uncomfortable, or the flame retardant properties are diminished over time with normal use, due to the fact that flame retardant additives are often not permanently fixed to the clothing material. This Phase I project aims to develop flame retardant textiles using a new class of flame retardant chemicals, that uniquely inhibit the combustion process by a multiplicity of mechanisms. Key to the approach is the ability to permanently attach the flame retardant chemical to the clothing material for high durability. Favorable aspects of the new class of flame retardant chemicals also include little or no toxicity, no environmental hazards, and ready availability from commercial sources. In Phase I, we will generate textile materials that have the desirable physical properties for comfort (i.e., mechanical strength, flexibility, breathability etc.) and offer a high degree of fire protection. An alliance with a leading protective clothing manufacturer has been established for rapid transition of this technology from research to production.