How to Choose the Right Fireproof Fabric?

28 Nov.,2024

 

How to Choose the Right Fireproof Fabric?

As the demand for flame retardant fabric has risen recently, many buyers who need help understanding this industry have gradually entered this field. Due to novices' ignorance of the industry, many cases of ineffective communication and being deceived have occurred.

Xinxing FR Product Page

Heaterk specially published an article to guide buyers to choose the products that suit them to save time and money and serve as a reference for future buyers.

1. The types of commonly used fireproof base fabrics, and the introduction of fire resistance

  


Ordinary Fiberglass Fabric

Alkali-free fire-resistant fabric: the most common glass fiber cloth on the market, white, with good insulation, long-term temperature resistance of 300°C and softening point of 500-750°C, above 300°C for long-term use is prone to embrittlement, not suitable for the acid environment

Medium-alkali fire retardant fabric: the insulation is poor, the strength is 10~20% lower than non-alkali, and the price is lower than non-alkali.

  

Expanded Fiberglass Fabric

It is obtained by weaving fiberglass yarn through puffing treatment.

The expanded fabric has better air permeability; filterability is thicker than ordinary fiberglass cloth and can cover thicker coating. A wide range is used in metallurgy, lime kiln, thermal power dust filtration, etc.


   


Steel Wire Reinforced Fiberglass Fabric

Steel wire is entrained in the fiberglass fabric weaving process.

It can solve the toughness problem of glass fiber used above 300°C, strengthen the whole, and prolong the service life of glass fiber cloth.

They are widely used in the exhaust, ventilation, waste gas treatment, etc.

  

  

High Silica Fabric

Silica fabrics are generally high-purity high-temperature resistant cloth woven from silica fibers with a silica content of 96%.

are generally high-purity high-temperature resistant cloth woven from silica fibers with a silica content of 96%.

High Silica Fiberglass Fabric is generally white and yellow. It can withstand the temperature of ' for a long time and ' for a short time, and the softening point is about '. It is also a kind of abrasion-resistant material.

The price is slightly higher and is often used in metal solution filtration, metals processing, power generation, and rocket-special high-temperature scenarios.

View High Silica Fabrics >>


  

2. What is silicone fabric, and why is silicone fabric fireproof

     

 

Silicone-coated fabric is produced using glass fiber cloth as the base cloth, coated or calendered with silicone rubber and other materials. It is non-combustible, so silicone coated cloth fabrics can fire.

3. Why should the base fabric be coated, and what are the primary coatings?

  

The base fabric is not wear-resistant or resistant to folding, and it is easy to scatter when cutting and will cause itching to the human body. The coating can eliminate the above shortcomings and, at the same time, obtain the properties of the coating material, such as water resistance, oil resistance, and anti-corrosion so that it is suitable for more Application scenarios.

  

They are commonly Used Coating Material Performance Comparison Table

'

Weather Resistance

Wear Resistance

Waterproof

Oil Resistance

Corrosion Resistance

Temperature Resistance

Flame Retardant

Price

Silicone Rubber

    Good

   Generally

    Good

   Generally

    Good

250°C

    Good

Fair

Polyurethane (PU)

   Generally

   Generally

    Good

   Generally

    Good

180°C

    Good

Fair

PTFE

     Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

300°C

    Good

Expensive

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

   Generally

   Generally

    Good

   Generally

   Generally

60°C

    Good

Cheap

Polyacrylate

   Generally

Weak

   Generally

   Generally

Weak

150°C

    Good

Cheap

Neoprene

   Generally

   Generally

   Generally

   Generally

   Generally

120°C

    Good

Expensive

EPDM

   Generally

   Generally

    Good

    Good

Are you interested in learning more about Fire-Resistant Woven Textiles China? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

    Good

120°C

   Generally

Expensive

Hypalon

     Excellent

   Generally

    Good

   Generally

Excellent

120°C

   Generally

Expensive.

  


Aluminum Foil Fabric

As a commonly used cloth on the market, aluminum foil cloth has impermeability characteristics, high reflectivity, and a high shielding rate, but it is bonded with glue.

The aluminum foil is fragile, so it is easy to fall off in case of fire, and the aluminum film is easy to be burned through. It can only be flame retardant and is often used as an outer coating material. Not strictly fire-resistant coated cloth.

View Aluminum Foil Fabric >>

4. Heaterk classic case and material recommendation

Smoke Curtain

Solution

Retractable Smoke Screen

Fixed Smoke Screen

Shopping Malls, Office Buildings

Underground Parking Lot

The product can be folded multiple times and has a certain degree of toughness. It can block the fire and stop the smoke efficiently before the fire brigade arrives. 

The terrain is low, the smoke-blocking performance is excellent, and it has a specific moisture-proof ability. It is easy to cut and cut during the construction process. 

Silicone fabric + Steel wire reinforced silicone fiberglass fabric higher higher

Higher thickness silicone coated fabric.

  

Partition Solution

Metal Splash Fire Curtain

Smelting Kiln Protective Curtain

Construction Unit, Factory Processing

Metal Processing, and Smelting

It has flame retardant ability, flame puncture resistance, has several certificates, and meets European and North American fire retardant test standards. 

It can withstand a temperature of 300-600°C and has air permeability, which can filter sulfur-containing dust. 

Silicone fabric or PU fabric high

High silica fabric or coated bulky fabric

Of course, there are many other cases, including but not limited to fire blankets, welding blankets, heat insulation covers, sound-absorbing blankets, etc.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service.

4. FAQ About Fireproof Fabrics

 

1. What is the difference between flame retardant and fire prevention

 

    Answer: The simple understanding is that flame retardant can isolate small fires, and cigarette butts will not burn when they fall on the ground. Fire prevention means separating space. The fire is burning below, and the fire cannot be seen above.

 

2. Is the silicone cloth fireproof? The thicker, the better.

 

    Answer: The thicker the substrate, the greater the mass per unit area, and the better the fire protection effect; the more comprehensive the coating, the better the flame retardancy, but the fire resistance may not be enhanced

 

3. How do you prove the fire resistance of your products

 

    Answer: The products we are producing can provide relevant test reports for buyers all year round

A Comprehensive Guide on Flame Retardant Fabric

Nov. 06,

Flame Retardant Fabric - Fire safety is a critical concern amongst and throughout many different industries and applications. Fabric and the textiles industry are no different. Flame retardant fabric has been used for decades and in different ways. Wide use within various commercial communities opened the door for more secure methodologies regarding the fabric. Namely, a standardization system agreed upon by multiple organizations. Fireproof fabric and flame proof fabric are two very different things, and which should be noted. The only similarity between them is the flame, which means that when there is a flame, it is followed by fire. If there is no flame, then there is no fire, simply enough.

 

The uses for flame retardant fabrics are endless, and we have many different flame retardant fabric types and options to consider, such as: Fire Proof Retardant Cotton Fabric, CVC Fire Proof Retardant Fabric, CN88/12 Fire Proof FR Fabric, and many more types and colors found here.


Here we explore the history of flame retardant fabrics, their main uses, and how this fabric can work to your advantage. Learn more on how flame retardant fabric improves the success of a project overall, and ensures better safety precautions as a result.



Flame Retardant Fabric History


Flame resistance is not a new concept. It dates back to ancient Chinese and Egyptian times, respectively. Simple methods created used  various materials such as vinegar or salty sea water to treat fabrics. Fire safety precautions prevented costly fabrics from being lost to fires or damage due to extensive use over time.

 

In the 's however, manufacturers of fire retardant fabrics developed a new method for industrial purposes. With the help of flame retardant chemicals like tetra phosphonium chloride (THPC), fabric manufacturers could apply this chemical compound onto a slew of fabrics, making them flame retardant for a length of time. This would change industrial safety in many ways.

 

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) would later create guidelines on the flame-resistant properties of garments and other coverings in industrial businesses. These safety qualifications lead to the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, or more commonly known as the NFPA 70E. Under the NFPA 70E came the NFPA 701, which outlines the standard of fire testing against textiles and films.

 

Eventually, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) adopted the guide. It became the point of reference for all businesses centered around a manufacturing or industrial environment.

 

Flame Retardant Fabric Manufacture


While durable fire-retardant fabrics aren't a new concept, there are many ways to make fabric flame resistant. Fire resistance testing uses the guidelines provided in the NFPA 701. Manufacturers treat flame retardant chemicals with compounds like THPC.  

 

These make a textile flame retardant during an immersion (fully dipping the fabric in a chemical solution) process prior to the finalization of a textile. While most immersion processes keep fabric flame resistant for an extended length of time, those properties can fade or break down depending on many factors such as environmental conditions or the amount of upkeep given to said fabric.

 

Create your own flame retardant fabrics at home! Using over the counter chemicals such as borax can also have a similar effect as other chemical compounds used during the immersion process.

 

Flame retardant fabrics can be anything from treated wool or cotton to woven inherent fibers that are up to the NFPA 701 code. For example, at Canvas Etc., we carry IFR Banjo Cloth made from inherently fire retardant polyester fabric. While polyester is synthetic, this fabric is up to NFPA 701 standards and is flame resistant. The woven fibers in the fabric make this fabric flame retardant.

 

Whether fibers or already made fabric, the differences between what makes something fire retardant from fiber versus what makes it flame resistant through an immersion treatment is key. Each classification affects the use of the fabric.

 

Flame Resistant Fabric Classifications


Classification is necessary when knowing how to find the right fabric for your fire retardant application. Finding the right fabric for your project aligns with understanding the difference between each fabric classification. Per the NFPA 701 code, flame retardant fabrics are classified as:

 


'Non Fire Retardant (NFR): Used to classify fibers and fabric that are not in any way fire or flame resistant or retardant.

'Fire Retardant (FR): Used to classify fabrics that are fire retardant or resistant through topical treatment after being woven that are up to code with the NFPA 701 guidelines.

'Inherently Fire Retardant (IFR): Used to classify fibers that when woven into fabrics that are up to fire code and do not require any additional chemical treatment after being transformed into a textile. These fabrics also uphold the NFPA 701 standard.

'Durably Fire Retardant (DFR): Used to classify synthetic fibers (i.e. nylon or polyester) that are woven into fabrics which are considered flame retardant for a lifetime. Washing or cleaning these fabrics do not disturb its fire resistance. These essential fabrics service for certain industrial applications.

'Can Be Made Fire Retardant (CBFR): Fabrics that can be treated once created to be considered flame retardant.

'Cannot Be Made Fire Retardant (CNFR): Fabrics and fibers (typically a small number of synthetic fibers or metallic fabrics) that cannot be processed or treated to become fire resistant. Properly labeled fabrics discourage use in public spaces or dangerous situations.

 

Fabric and Flame Resistance: Testing


Flame retardant ratings are under the determination of the NFPA 701 guide, as well as state and federal guidelines. The NFPA suggests a step-by-step process on fabric testing. Tests conducted on fabrics require these guidelines to maintain compliance.

 

Tests are typically performed in a lab prior to the sale of the fabric. The NFPA also developed the NFPA 705 field test (like the NFPA 701) for fabrics tested on-site during manufacture. This form of on-site testing upholds the standards set out by the organization.

 

Small scale special event NFPA 701 and 705 tests record the 'resistance of ignition' to a treated fabric. Brief tests assess and assist in classifying a fabric's retardant properties.

 

Flame Retardant Fabric: Best Uses and Projects


As a result, flame retardant fabric comes in all shapes and distinctions! Standard guidelines mean applications are never in short supply. Some interesting uses for flame retardant fabric are:

 

'Drapery (Indoor & Outdoor): Flame retardant fabric can be purchased from online fabric stores. Fashion flame resistant fabrics into stylish indoor or outdoor curtain applications! Make your own with the variety of FR and IFR fabrics.

'Coverings: From industrial machinery to grill covers, some flame retardant fabrics (especially DFR fabrics) can not only be safe against fire. but also bad weather! Use indoor or outdoor to keep your most precious items safe.

'Garments: Clothes of all styles can be made with fire resistant fabric! Make yours with a simple pattern.

'Bags: Want to add a layer of protection to your travel? Consider something like our Sunforger Canvas to make a duffle bag that will withstand even the toughest of conditions!


The uses for flame retardant fabrics are endless, and we have many different flame retardant fabric types and options to consider. To learn more, contact us today! Our experienced team of specialists can assist you in finding the right materials for your next project.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website High Visibility Yellow Fabric Supplier.