The importance of flame retardant protection in the new era

National Defense Fire Retardant Textiles

Chen Xuwei, President of the Military and Textile Branch of the China Industrial Textiles Association

The procurement and production of military textiles have evolved significantly over the years. As times change and market demands grow, both suppliers and buyers are increasingly willing to communicate and collaborate, leading to improved cost-effectiveness for military textiles. In terms of flame-retardant products, chemical flame-retardant fibers such as aramid 1313, aramid 1414, heterocyclic aramid, arylsulfone, carbon fiber, and vinylon are commonly used. These fibers serve as key components in protective clothing, anti-inflation suits, and other specialized applications.

Anti-yellow and compensation clothing require lightweight, durable, and flame-resistant materials with good dyeing properties, water resistance, and breathability. Notably, the Shenzhou 7 space suit features breakthroughs in high-temperature and radiation resistance. The outer layers are designed to be tear-resistant, heat-resistant, and capable of withstanding micro-meteorites and chemical exposure.

Flame-retardant fibers are also widely used in parachutes, including parachute canopies, ropes, straps, and covers. Modern parachutes demand materials that are lightweight, strong, flame-resistant, and able to maintain stability under various conditions. They must also offer controlled extension and adaptability to different air permeability levels.

Beyond special clothing, these fibers are used in block nets, gun covers, aircraft blankets, tents, and camouflage materials. For example, the Chameleon camouflage material developed by the Second Artillery Armament Research Institute is primarily composed of flame-retardant composite fibers.

Textile Flame Retardant Finishing Technology and Product Development

Cai Sheng, Ph.D. Supervisor of the Textile Chemistry Engineering Department at Donghua University

Fabric combustion typically involves three stages: thermal decomposition, ignition, and sustained burning. Flame retardants work by targeting different aspects of this process. Common mechanisms include endothermic reactions, free radical suppression, melting, non-flammable gas generation, and condensed-phase flame retardation.

Inorganic flame retardants not only provide fire resistance but also act as fillers. Organic options fall into phosphorus-based and halogen-based categories. Halogen-based ones, like chlorine and bromine compounds, are more common. Flame-retardant fibers are produced through methods such as coating, blending, copolymerization, grafting, and sheath-core spinning.

With the growth of the automotive and high-speed rail industries, the demand for high-quality flame-retardant fabrics has increased. Each train requires about 1,000 meters of seat fabric, while a car needs around 20 meters of textiles. In 2007, high-end automotive interiors required flame resistance, moisture absorption, breathability, color fastness, UV resistance, and anti-static properties—standards higher than those for regular textiles.

China’s domestic development in this area was limited, with high-end products dominated by Japan and Europe. Challenges included excessive smoke, poor heat resistance, and toxic emissions. To address this, we developed P-T expansive flame retardants that are formaldehyde-free, halogen-free, and offer excellent thermal and hydrolytic stability. These have been certified by international standards and are now used in trains operated by Siemens and others.

Why Use Protective Clothing

GEOFF, Personal Protection Expert from a Leading European Fiber Company

Proper use of flame-retardant protective clothing can prevent severe burns and save lives. Compared to the high costs of burn treatment, the cost of protective gear is minimal and highly effective. Wearing inappropriate clothing can lead to more severe injuries, especially in exposed areas.

Many countries have implemented laws requiring workers in hazardous environments to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Major corporations like Shell and Alcoa enforce strict PPE policies for on-site workers. In China, similar requirements are being adopted across many industries.

Calculations show that even a 1% skin burn can result in hospitalization for 1.5 days, with an average stay of 19 days and daily costs exceeding $18,000. Hospitalization expenses can range from $200,000 to $700,000, sometimes surpassing $1 million.

Flame-retardant fabrics self-extinguish after the flame source is removed. Some treated fabrics may lose effectiveness after washing, while inherently flame-retardant fabrics, like aramid or cellulose-based fibers, maintain their properties over time. Testing standards include vertical burning tests, 12-second flame exposure, and limited afterflame time.

Future industries likely to invest in protective clothing include power companies, natural gas firms, steel mills, and fire services. Wearing the right gear can significantly reduce injury risks in dangerous environments.

Copyright Statement: This article is a reprint from online media and reflects the author's views. It does not necessarily represent the stance of this site. If you believe your rights have been violated, please contact us for prompt resolution.

Coloured Lights

RGB LED Lights​
RGB LED lights are a versatile choice for fountain lighting, offering a full spectrum of colors by combining red, green, and blue light. These lights can be easily controlled to produce any hue imaginable, from vibrant primary colors to subtle pastels. They are highly energy-efficient, consuming less power than traditional lighting options, and have a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. RGB LED lights are often used in fountains where dynamic color changes are desired, as they can be synchronized with music or programmed to follow specific color sequences. They are suitable for both small residential fountains and large-scale commercial installations, adding a lively and customizable touch to the water display.​
Single-Colour LED Lights​
Single-colour LED lights are designed to emit a specific color, such as red, blue, green, yellow, or white. They are a cost-effective option for those who want a consistent and unchanging color in their fountain. These lights are available in various intensities, allowing users to choose the brightness that best suits their needs. Single-colour LED lights are durable and reliable, with a long operational life, making them ideal for fountains that require a permanent and low-maintenance lighting solution. They work well in both indoor and outdoor fountains, enhancing the visual appeal of the water feature with a steady and striking color.​
Fiber Optic Lights​
Fiber optic lights are a unique lighting option for fountains, consisting of thin, flexible fibers that transmit light from a central light source. The fibers can be arranged in various patterns within the fountain, creating a starry or twinkling effect in the water. These lights are safe to use in water as the light source is located outside the fountain, reducing the risk of electrical hazards. Fiber optic lights are available in a range of colors, and some systems allow for color changes by switching the central light source. They are often used in smaller fountains or as accent lighting in larger installations, adding a magical and ethereal quality to the water display.​
Underwater RGBW Lights​
Underwater RGBW lights combine the functionality of RGB lights with a white light component, providing a wider range of color options and improved color rendering. The addition of white light allows for more natural-looking illumination of the water and surrounding features, while the RGB colors offer vibrant and dynamic effects. These lights are specifically designed to be used underwater, with a waterproof construction that ensures durability and safety. They are commonly used in high-end fountain projects, such as those in hotels, resorts, or public parks, where a high-quality and versatile lighting display is required. Underwater RGBW lights can be controlled via a control panel or smartphone app, enabling precise adjustment of color, brightness, and lighting patterns.

Coloured Lights,Fountain lights,Colored lights,water fountain parts

Wuxi Jinshanghua Environmental Equipment Co., Ltd , https://www.jshfountain.com