Science & Technology, Canada (Commonwealth Union) – Two recent studies from the University of Alberta provide insights into improving the safety of firefighters’ clothing in terms of wear, maintenance, and manufacturing.
Firefighters’ clothing is a vital aspect of their safety and effectiveness in combating fires and performing rescues. The specialized materials, design features, and technological advancements incorporated into their gear provide the necessary protection against the numerous hazards they face. As the demands of firefighting continue to evolve, so too will the clothing designed to protect those who risk their lives to keep us safe.
Another study discovered that certain fibers in protective gear degrade when exposed to warm water, indicating potential deterioration of the garments over time due to real-life firefighting conditions and laundering.
The second study examined the water used in fiber manufacturing and identified several harmful dye compounds leaching from the fabrics, which could undermine their protective properties.
“The findings of both studies show vulnerabilities and potential ways to improve the materials currently being used in firefighters’ clothing, and for maintenance,” explained Saiful Hoque, who undertook the study to earn a PhD in textile and apparel science from the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences (ALES).
With the application of accelerated aging treatments that mimic firefighting and laundering conditions, one study looked into the effects of heat and water on 15 different yarns in eight fabrics commonly used for protective clothing. The fibers were immersed in both purified neutral pH and acidic water at temperatures ranging from 40°C to 90°C for up to 1,200 hours. They were then evaluated for physical, chemical, and other types of deterioration.
The results of the hydrothermal aging revealed that fabric blends containing para-aramid/polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers degraded in strength 68 percent more quickly when exposed to moisture compared to similar fire-protective fabrics that did not contain PBI.
Researchers of the study pointed out that high-performance fiber blends containing PBI are typically used in firefighters’ outer jackets and trousers due to the fiber’s flexibility and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. However, an earlier study led by Hoque showed that PBI fibers are produced with the application of sulfuric acid, leaving behind trace amounts of the chemical. This residual sulfur increases the fabric’s sensitivity to moisture, potentially leading to the premature degradation of protective garments, Hoque notes.
According to him these findings can assist manufacturers of high-performance fibers and protective fabrics enhance their processes.
“PBI fibres are still good to use, but it’s critical that producers develop ways to remove the residual sulphur from those fibres.”
Hoque indicated that the laundering of firefighting gear should be modified to wash clothing with PBI fibers separately. He then pointed out that it halts the risk of damage to neighboring fabrics that do not contain PBI fibers and would not otherwise go through degradation in warm water.
The same study also discovered for the first time that meta-aramid fibers, another type commonly used in protective clothing, demonstrated “remarkable resistance” to heat and water stress, even when exposed to acidic water. For instance, a fabric sample containing 93 percent meta-aramid fibers lost only four percent of its tensile strength after being immersed in water for 1,200 hours at 90°C.
It was pointed out that this discovery addresses a knowledge gap about the effectiveness of high-performance fibers in resisting heat and water, enabling manufacturers to make more informed decisions when selecting and designing materials for more durable firefighting gear, according to Hoque
He then indicated that moreover, it opens up possibilities for using meta-aramid fibers in other products frequently exposed to water, such as marine safety equipment.
The overall exploration of the various yarns and their fibres gave a clearer picture of their durability, Hoque said. “We can now offer manufacturers suggestions for optimum fibre blends and fabric configurations that strike a better balance between long-term protection and comfort.”
Hoque’s second study devised a method for analyzing the water used in experiments, providing fabric manufacturers with a tool to make their production processes more environmentally sustainable.
The analysis marked three dye-related compounds that pose environmental risks, particularly when they leach into water systems as indicated by Hoque.
Though not recommended for use, “it’s possible that some manufacturers still employ these compounds, so this information can help them prevent environmental pollution and adopt more sustainable practices.”
The finding of the study is likely to provide valuable information on the gear for the firefighting industry.
