Development and Manufacturing of Lightweight Textile Fire Barrier for Furniture and Mattresses

New fire barrier methods are necessary to protect furniture and mattresses from fire. Current California (and soon National) regulations require mattresses to be able to pass the mattress fire burn test. Typical barrier fabrics use self extinguishing fibers with high limiting oxygen index (LOI) to create a barrier that the flame cannot pass. A second approach creates a carbon barrier that is formed during the fire. The carbon barrier is formed through the carbonization of the fibers in the fiber. Tex Tech plans to demonstrate the ability to manufacture lightweight felt barriers that can stop the flame spread, eliminate foam melt through, and be strong enough to handle any water damage.