Jiangsu Textile Research Institute Inc.

Flame retardant fabrics can be divided into intrinsic flame retardant fabrics (permanent flame retardant fabrics) and post finished flame retardant fabrics according to processing methods.

Intrinsically flame retardant fabrics are also called permanent flame retardant fabrics. They are formed by weaving flame retardant fibers and then dyeing and finishing. Flame retardant fibers are added with flame retardants during the drawing process and are fused with the fibers. Due to the flame retardant fibers themselves, Inherent flame retardant properties, when a fire occurs, gas, water or other chemicals are produced to form an inert gas layer, which can prevent the progress of combustion.

No matter how many times it is washed, its flame retardant effect remains unchanged, and its fire resistance remains stable throughout its service life. Therefore, it is also called a permanently flame retardant fabric. However, the cost of making intrinsically flame retardant fabrics is higher because it needs to be woven with 100% flame retardant fibers and cannot be interwoven with other fibers, which limits its application scope in some products.

Finished flame retardant fabrics are processed through subsequent finishing processes after the textiles are made. Its fire retardant effect is achieved by coating, impregnating or spraying flame retardant on the surface or inside of the fabric to form a protective film or inert gas layer to prevent the flame from contacting the fabric and reduce the burning speed. The fire resistance of this kind of fabric is relatively low, and the flame retardant effect will gradually weaken after washing. It is usually suitable for products that are not washed frequently. However, in comparison, the manufacturing cost of finished flame retardant fabrics is lower because the addition of flame retardants is completed during the dyeing and finishing process.