Flame Resistant Material For Use in Protective Garment Applications

The main objective of this proposal is to build on the efforts of the Army SBIR Phase I project to finalize the design and development of a superior lightweight and comfortable flame resistant garment made of nonwoven composite fabric. The goal is to significantly elevate the fire and thermal protection properties of these next generation composite fabrics over conventional Nomex® at lower cost. Specific target for this proposal will be to provide an FR garment that offers protection against a heat flux of 2.0 cal/cm2 sec increasing the escape time for the soldiers by at least 50% under severe flame conditions. The principal approach will be to utilize high performance and inherently FR fibers in a durable hydroentangled nonwoven composite fabric construction to produce superior flame and thermal resistant garments. Additionally, water repellent (WR) fire resistant garments with resistance to Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants will be developed.