US20210032802A1 - Fabrics for Flame Retardation - Google Patents
Fabrics for Flame Retardation Download PDFInfo
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- US20210032802A1 US20210032802A1 US16/528,749 US201916528749A US2021032802A1 US 20210032802 A1 US20210032802 A1 US 20210032802A1 US 201916528749 A US201916528749 A US 201916528749A US 2021032802 A1 US2021032802 A1 US 2021032802A1
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- Prior art keywords
- flame
- substrate
- filamentous
- retardant fabric
- coating
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M11/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with inorganic substances or complexes thereof; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment, e.g. mercerising
- D06M11/83—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with inorganic substances or complexes thereof; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment, e.g. mercerising with metals; with metal-generating compounds, e.g. metal carbonyls; Reduction of metal compounds on textiles
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
- D04H1/425—Cellulose series
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/58—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives
- D04H1/587—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives characterised by the bonding agents used
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M2200/00—Functionality of the treatment composition and/or properties imparted to the textile material
- D06M2200/30—Flame or heat resistance, fire retardancy properties
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T442/00—Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
- Y10T442/20—Coated or impregnated woven, knit, or nonwoven fabric which is not [a] associated with another preformed layer or fiber layer or, [b] with respect to woven and knit, characterized, respectively, by a particular or differential weave or knit, wherein the coating or impregnation is neither a foamed material nor a free metal or alloy layer
- Y10T442/2631—Coating or impregnation provides heat or fire protection
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of flame-resistant fabrics, and, more specifically, to enhancements for improving the flame resistance of such fabrics and the flame resistance of items incorporating such fabrics.
- a first embodiment of the present invention includes textile fibers modified by incorporation of aluminum particles into the matrix of the fibers.
- the fibers may incorporate inherently flame-resistant polymers and/or cellulosic materials.
- a second embodiment of the present invention includes methods of incorporating aluminum particles into textile fibers.
- the aluminum particles may be mixed into a flowable polymer or solution of polymeric precursors, which is then extruded to form the aluminum-modified fibers.
- a third embodiment of the present invention includes a woven or non-woven textile fabric modified by application to the fabric of a flowable coating material that includes aluminum.
- the flowable coating material may include a latex binder and the aluminum as a suspension.
- a fourth embodiment of the present invention is a coating material for textiles that includes aluminum particles.
- the coating material includes the aluminum particles and a latex binder in a suspension.
- a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a woven or non-woven textile fabric that includes textile threads incorporating aluminum, the fabric also having a coating that includes aluminum particles.
- the fabric may be a filler cloth for a mattress.
- a sixth embodiment of the present invention includes an article of manufacture incorporating a textile fabric of the present invention.
- the article may be a mattress.
- a flame-retardant fabric comprises a non-woven textile substrate consisting of cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers, the substrate having first and second filamentous surfaces opposite each other, each of the first and second filamentous surfaces having a plurality of the cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers projecting therefrom, and further having interstices among the projecting fibers of the first and second filamentous surfaces, wherein the first filamentous surface of the substrate has a first non-intumescent coating consisting of a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles and optionally a wetting agent, a surfactant and a pigment stabilizer, the first non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the first filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the first non-intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate, and the flame-retardant fabric does not have added flame-retardant chemistry.
- the second filamentous surface of the textile substrate has a second non-intumescent coating consisting of a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles and optionally a wetting agent, a surfactant and a pigment stabilizer, the second non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the second filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the second intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate.
- the solvent of the first non-intumescent coating and the solvent of the second non-intumescent coating are each water.
- the aluminum particles are present in the flame-retardant fabric in an amount in the range of about 0.005% to about 20% by weight of the flame-retardant fabric.
- the aluminum particles are present in the flame-retardant fabric in an amount in the range of about 0.005% to about 10% by weight of the flame-retardant fabric. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles are present in the flame-retardant fabric in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 5% by weight of the flame-retardant fabric. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles are present in the flame-retardant fabric in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 3% by weight of the flame-retardant fabric.
- the fabric has a weight in the range of 2 through 8 ounces per square yard. In an embodiment, the fabric has a weight in the range of about 3.4 to about 3.6 ounces per square yard. In an embodiment, the solvent is water.
- a method of making a flame-retardant fabric above comprising the steps of: providing the textile substrate; providing the first intumescent coating as a flowable coating material including the aluminum particles in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 30% by weight of the flowable coating material; and applying the flowable coating material to the first surface of the textile substrate such that the flowable coating material forms the first intumescent coating.
- the applying step is performed using a foam coating process.
- the applying step is performed using a spray-coating process.
- the applying step is performed using a dip coating process.
- the applying step is performed using a slot coating process.
- the applying step includes the step of driving off the liquid carrier from the first coating.
- a flame-retardant fabric comprises a non-woven textile substrate having cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers, the substrate having first and second filamentous surfaces opposite each other, each of the first and second filamentous surfaces having a plurality of the cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers projecting therefrom, and further having interstices among the projecting fibers of the first and second filamentous surfaces, wherein the first filamentous surface of the substrate has a first non-intumescent coating comprising a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles, the first non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the first filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the first non-intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate, and the flame-retardant fabric does not have added flame-retardant chemistry.
- a flame-retardant fabric comprises a non-woven textile substrate having cellulosic fibers, the substrate having first and second filamentous surfaces opposite each other, each of the first and second filamentous surfaces having a plurality of the cellulosic fibers projecting therefrom, and further having interstices among the projecting fibers of the first and second filamentous surfaces, wherein the first filamentous surface of the substrate has a first non-intumescent coating comprising a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles, the first non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the first filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the first non-intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate, and the flame-retardant fabric does not have added flame-retardant chemistry.
- a flame-retardant fabric comprises a non-woven textile substrate having thermoplastic polymeric fibers, the substrate having first and second filamentous surfaces opposite each other, each of the first and second filamentous surfaces having a plurality of the thermoplastic polymeric fibers projecting therefrom, and further having interstices among the projecting fibers of the first and second filamentous surfaces, wherein the first filamentous surface of the substrate has a first non-intumescent coating comprising a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles, the first non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the first filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the first non-intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate, and the flame-retardant fabric does not have added flame-retardant chemistry.
- FIG. 1 illustrates cross-sections of aluminum-modified textile fibers according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates another cross-section of an aluminum-modified textile fiber according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic process diagram of the burning behavior of an aluminum-modified fiber of the same general type as the fiber of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mattress constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic fragmentary view of a portion 5 of the mattress of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic depiction of an apparatus conducting a method of manufacture of a high-loft fabric fire barrier constructed in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a further enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 7 , designated by arrow 8 in FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary view taken in the direction of arrow 9 in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 6 .
- An embodiment of the present invention includes textiles and textile fibers modified by incorporation of aluminum particles into the matrix of the fibers.
- One embodiment of the present invention includes an aluminum-modified textile fiber.
- the textile fiber is an extruded fiber, such as viscose rayon.
- aluminum-modified textile fibers 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention have aluminum particles 12 distributed throughout the fiber matrix 14 .
- the aluminum particles may be mixed or dispersed into a flowable polymer or solution of polymeric precursors, which is then extruded to form the aluminum-modified fibers.
- Conventional extrusion methods or modifications of conventional extrusion methods may be used to form the fibers.
- the flowable polymer is cellulose of a type used to make viscose rayon.
- the aluminum content of the fiber is no more than 80% w/w.
- the aluminum content of the fiber is in the range of about 60% w/w to about 70% w/w.
- the fiber is a viscose rayon fiber.
- the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 10 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 20 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 30 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 40 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 50 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 100 microns to about 200 microns.
- the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 150 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 100 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 50 microns to about 100 microns.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic process diagram of the burning behavior of an aluminum-modified fiber 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the fiber 16 comprises aluminum particles 18 in a cellulosic matrix 20 .
- a conventional cellulosic fiber (not shown) burns, it generally forms a char and releases gaseous decomposition products.
- the aluminum-modified fiber 16 is ignited, the aluminum particles 18 migrate from the degraded matrix 20 to the fiber surfaces 22 , 24 , forming barriers 26 , 28 to mass and heat transport.
- the aluminum-filled barrier 26 , 28 itself is non-combustible, and provides structural reinforcement to the charred fiber 16 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates an arrangement of fabrics used in a non-flip mattress 30 in a schematic cross-sectional view.
- the non-flip mattress 30 includes a non-fabric core 32 , which may be of any known type used in non-flip mattresses in general or of types yet to be developed.
- the core 32 is surrounded by mattress ticking 34 , which may be of any known type, and a filler cloth 36 including a textile fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- a fabric fire barrier 38 is provided between the ticking 34 and core 32 .
- one or both of the filler cloth 36 and the fabric fire barrier 38 are fire-resistant fabrics according to embodiments of the present invention.
- the arrangement of fabrics in the mattress of FIG. 4 and similarly-arranged mattresses according to embodiments of the present invention may be readily adapted to reversible mattresses (not shown) in arrangements understood in the prior art or yet to be developed.
- filler cloths or fabric fire barriers such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , or discussed elsewhere herein, may be used in other household furnishings (e.g., without limitation, mattress foundations or upholstered furniture) in arrangements known in the art.
- FIG. 5 is a detail of the filler cloth 36 , which is an embodiment of the fire-resistant fabric of the present invention.
- the filler cloth 36 includes a textile substrate 40 , and upper and lower coatings 42 , 44 , each of which extends along a respective surface of the textile substrate 40 and is integrated with the textile substrate 40 .
- the upper coating 42 and/or the lower coating 44 each extends along a respective surface of the textile substrate 40 and is integrated with the textile substrate 40 .
- Filler cloth 36 is an exemplary embodiment of the flame-retardant fabrics of the present invention, which also include fire barriers, such as fire barrier 38 , and other coated flame-retardant fabrics.
- the textile substrate 40 includes a woven or non-woven textile containing at least cellulosic fibers (not shown).
- the cellulosic fibers may be fire-resistant cellulosic fibers, such as fire-resistant rayon (e.g., viscose) fibers, or non-fire-resistant cellulosic fibers.
- Fire-resistant aluminum-modified fibers according to embodiments of the present invention are one of the types of fire-resistant fibers that may be used in the fire-resistant fabric of the present invention.
- fire-resistant fibers known in the art may also be used in the fire-resistant fabric of the present invention, including, without limitation, silica-modified fibers, chemically-treated fibers, polyester fibers, and thermoplastic polymeric fibers.
- the textile substrate 40 is a blend of cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers.
- the cellulosic fibers constitute from about 60% to about 90% of the textile substrate 40 , with the balance of the textile substrate being thermoplastic polymer fibers.
- the textile substrate 40 is one of a 60/40 blend, a 65/35 blend, a 70/30 blend, a 75/25 blend, an 80/20 blend, an 85/25 blend, and a 90/10 blend of cellulosic fibers/thermoplastic fibers.
- the selection and manufacture of appropriate textile substrates for use in the present invention will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art and possession of the present disclosure.
- the coatings 42 , 44 are latex coatings filled with aluminum particles 46 .
- one of the upper and lower coatings 42 , 44 contains aluminum particles 46 and the other does not.
- the filler cloth 36 has only an upper coating 42 or a lower coating 44 .
- the coatings 42 , 44 are applied to the textile substrate 40 as flowable coating materials.
- such flowable coating materials include a solvent (e.g., water), a binder (e.g., a latex binder), and aluminum particles.
- the flowable coating materials further include a pigment.
- the flowable coating materials further include auxiliary chemistries, such as wetting agents, surfactants, or pigment stabilizers. The selection and use of appropriate solvents, binders, pigments, and auxiliary chemistries will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art and possession of the present disclosure.
- the flowable coating material has a composition in which the aluminum is present in the coating material in the range of about 1% to about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, the aluminum is present in the flowable coating material in range of about 10% to about 20% by weight.
- Workable flowable coating materials include from about 10% to about 20% aluminum by weight in an aqueous suspension with about 5% acrylic latex as a binder. The total solids content of such workable coating materials is roughly 50% w/w.
- the foregoing amounts of aluminum, binder, and other solids may be varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art and possession of the present disclosure.
- the flowable coating material is applied to the textile substrate 40 to form the coatings 42 , 44 .
- the flowable coating material may be applied to the textile substrate 40 by one or more of processes known in the art or yet to be developed for applying flowable materials to sheets. Such methods include, without limitation, dip coating processes, spray coating processes, slot coating processes, and foam coating processes. Foam coating processes have been found to be particularly effective in applying the coating materials of the present invention to textiles.
- the flowable coating material includes a liquid carrier, and the liquid carrier is driven off from the coatings 42 , 44 after the flowable coating material is applied to the textile substrate.
- the aluminum is present in the filler cloth 36 in an amount of about 20% by weight of the filler cloth 36 . In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum is present in the filler cloth 36 in an amount in the range of about 0.005% about 20% by weight of the filler cloth 36 . In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum is present in the filler cloth 36 in an amount in the range of about 0.005% to about 10% by weight of the filler cloth 36 .
- the aluminum is present in the filler cloth 36 in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 3% by weight of the filler cloth 36 , although, in some embodiments, the aluminum is present in the filler cloth 36 in an amount of up to about 5% of the filler cloth 36 .
- the amounts of coating material and/or aluminum added to the textile may be varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art and possession of the present disclosure.
- the coated fabric has a weight in the range of 2 ounces per square yard to 8 ounces per square yard.
- manufacture of fire barrier 120 in accordance with the present invention is depicted diagrammatically in FIG. 6 wherein it is seen that a blend of non-woven inherently flame retardant cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers in the form of a continuous batt 140 is advanced through an apparatus 142 , from a supply roll 143 , into an oven 144 where the blend of fibers within batt 140 is bound into a high-loft fabric that emerges from the oven 144 in the form of a sheet 16 that includes opposite filamentous surfaces 148 .
- the filamentous nature of surfaces 148 is a result of fibers of the batt 140 projecting from the batt 140 in the form of a multitude of filaments 150 , with interstices 152 between the filaments 150 .
- Apparatus 142 includes a supply 160 of a dispersion 162 of finely divided aluminum material dispersed within a liquid carrier, the preferred liquid being water.
- the sheet 146 is passed to a station 170 where dispersion 162 is applied to each surface 148 of sheet 146 , preferably through respective banks 172 of spray heads 174 which direct a fine mist spray 176 to each corresponding surface 148 , as seen in FIG. 9 .
- the fine mist spray 176 assures that the dispersion 162 enters the interstices 152 between the filaments 150 or sheet 146 .
- sheet 146 Upon leaving station 170 , sheet 146 is directed back into oven 144 where the liquid carrier of the dispersion 162 within the interstices 152 is driven off, leaving aluminum material deposited within the interstices 152 to be integrated with the sheet 146 , in a layer 180 of aluminum material extending along each surface 148 of the sheet 146 , as seen in FIG. 10 .
- the sheet 146 is then ready for dividing into appropriately dimensioned fire barriers 38 in which layers 42 , 44 of aluminum material extend along the corresponding upper and lower surfaces of the substrate 40 , and are integrated with the substrate 40 .
- the layers 42 , 44 of aluminum material provide the fire barrier 38 with lowered thermal transmission properties as compared to previous fabric fire barriers.
- the filamentous nature of the surfaces of the substrate 40 is substantially reduced, and preferably eliminated, producing a concomitant reduction in flame propagation across the completed fire barrier 38 .
- the present invention attains all of the objects and advantages summarized above, namely: establishes enhanced flame retardant characteristics in high-ion fabric fire barriers constructed of non-woven inherently flame retardant fibers; provides high-loft fabric fire barriers of exceptional strength, durability and superior flame retardant characteristics; enables the economical manufacture of high-loft fabric fire barriers that exhibit exemplary performance, especially in the construction of mattresses, as well as in domestic bedding and upholstered items; utilizes inherently flame retardant fibers together with aluminum material for attaining enhanced flame retardant characteristics for exemplary flame retardant performance in the nature of lower thermal transfer and reduced flame propagation, coupled with durability and strength, together with desirable physical characteristics, without the necessity for additional coating operations, or otherwise adding flame retardant chemistry, in order to attain requisite flame retardant properties; simplifies the manufacture of fabric fire barriers exhibiting a high degree of flame retardant performance, utilizing relatively simple, conventional manufacturing techniques; provides highly reliable flame retardant performance in high-loft fabric fire barriers and the like, intended for rugged, long-term service; provides a mattress construction
- coated filler cloths and other coated textile fabrics according to the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,469,935, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to the field of flame-resistant fabrics, and, more specifically, to enhancements for improving the flame resistance of such fabrics and the flame resistance of items incorporating such fabrics.
- Each year, thousands of residential fires are caused in the United States by the ignition of mattresses and bedding, resulting in hundreds of deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in property losses. Heightened awareness of fire prevention has led to the development of standards and regulations directed to the reducing the likelihood that such fires will occur. One approach to reducing the likelihood of residential fires is to use flame-resistant fabrics as flame barriers in mattresses and bedding.
- A first embodiment of the present invention includes textile fibers modified by incorporation of aluminum particles into the matrix of the fibers. In such an embodiment, the fibers may incorporate inherently flame-resistant polymers and/or cellulosic materials.
- A second embodiment of the present invention includes methods of incorporating aluminum particles into textile fibers. In such an embodiment, the aluminum particles may be mixed into a flowable polymer or solution of polymeric precursors, which is then extruded to form the aluminum-modified fibers.
- A third embodiment of the present invention includes a woven or non-woven textile fabric modified by application to the fabric of a flowable coating material that includes aluminum. In such an embodiment, the flowable coating material may include a latex binder and the aluminum as a suspension.
- A fourth embodiment of the present invention is a coating material for textiles that includes aluminum particles. In such an embodiment, the coating material includes the aluminum particles and a latex binder in a suspension.
- A fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a woven or non-woven textile fabric that includes textile threads incorporating aluminum, the fabric also having a coating that includes aluminum particles. In such an embodiment, the fabric may be a filler cloth for a mattress.
- A sixth embodiment of the present invention includes an article of manufacture incorporating a textile fabric of the present invention. In such an embodiment, the article may be a mattress.
- In an embodiment, a flame-retardant fabric, comprises a non-woven textile substrate consisting of cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers, the substrate having first and second filamentous surfaces opposite each other, each of the first and second filamentous surfaces having a plurality of the cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers projecting therefrom, and further having interstices among the projecting fibers of the first and second filamentous surfaces, wherein the first filamentous surface of the substrate has a first non-intumescent coating consisting of a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles and optionally a wetting agent, a surfactant and a pigment stabilizer, the first non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the first filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the first non-intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate, and the flame-retardant fabric does not have added flame-retardant chemistry.
- In an embodiment, the second filamentous surface of the textile substrate has a second non-intumescent coating consisting of a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles and optionally a wetting agent, a surfactant and a pigment stabilizer, the second non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the second filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the second intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate. In an embodiment, the solvent of the first non-intumescent coating and the solvent of the second non-intumescent coating are each water. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles are present in the flame-retardant fabric in an amount in the range of about 0.005% to about 20% by weight of the flame-retardant fabric. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles are present in the flame-retardant fabric in an amount in the range of about 0.005% to about 10% by weight of the flame-retardant fabric. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles are present in the flame-retardant fabric in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 5% by weight of the flame-retardant fabric. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles are present in the flame-retardant fabric in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 3% by weight of the flame-retardant fabric.
- In an embodiment, the fabric has a weight in the range of 2 through 8 ounces per square yard. In an embodiment, the fabric has a weight in the range of about 3.4 to about 3.6 ounces per square yard. In an embodiment, the solvent is water.
- In an embodiment, a method of making a flame-retardant fabric above, the method comprising the steps of: providing the textile substrate; providing the first intumescent coating as a flowable coating material including the aluminum particles in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 30% by weight of the flowable coating material; and applying the flowable coating material to the first surface of the textile substrate such that the flowable coating material forms the first intumescent coating. In an embodiment, the applying step is performed using a foam coating process. In an embodiment, the applying step is performed using a spray-coating process. In an embodiment, the applying step is performed using a dip coating process. In an embodiment, the applying step is performed using a slot coating process. In an embodiment, the applying step includes the step of driving off the liquid carrier from the first coating.
- In an embodiment, a flame-retardant fabric comprises a non-woven textile substrate having cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers, the substrate having first and second filamentous surfaces opposite each other, each of the first and second filamentous surfaces having a plurality of the cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers projecting therefrom, and further having interstices among the projecting fibers of the first and second filamentous surfaces, wherein the first filamentous surface of the substrate has a first non-intumescent coating comprising a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles, the first non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the first filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the first non-intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate, and the flame-retardant fabric does not have added flame-retardant chemistry.
- In an embodiment, a flame-retardant fabric, comprises a non-woven textile substrate having cellulosic fibers, the substrate having first and second filamentous surfaces opposite each other, each of the first and second filamentous surfaces having a plurality of the cellulosic fibers projecting therefrom, and further having interstices among the projecting fibers of the first and second filamentous surfaces, wherein the first filamentous surface of the substrate has a first non-intumescent coating comprising a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles, the first non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the first filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the first non-intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate, and the flame-retardant fabric does not have added flame-retardant chemistry.
- In an embodiment, a flame-retardant fabric, comprises a non-woven textile substrate having thermoplastic polymeric fibers, the substrate having first and second filamentous surfaces opposite each other, each of the first and second filamentous surfaces having a plurality of the thermoplastic polymeric fibers projecting therefrom, and further having interstices among the projecting fibers of the first and second filamentous surfaces, wherein the first filamentous surface of the substrate has a first non-intumescent coating comprising a solvent, a latex binder and aluminum particles, the first non-intumescent coating being distinct from the substrate and extends along the first filamentous surface and into the interstices thereof, whereby the first non-intumescent coating is integrated with the substrate, and the flame-retardant fabric does not have added flame-retardant chemistry.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates cross-sections of aluminum-modified textile fibers according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates another cross-section of an aluminum-modified textile fiber according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic process diagram of the burning behavior of an aluminum-modified fiber of the same general type as the fiber ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mattress constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic fragmentary view of a portion 5 of the mattress ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic depiction of an apparatus conducting a method of manufacture of a high-loft fabric fire barrier constructed in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a further enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion ofFIG. 7 , designated byarrow 8 inFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary view taken in the direction of arrow 9 inFIG. 6 ; and -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 6 . - An embodiment of the present invention includes textiles and textile fibers modified by incorporation of aluminum particles into the matrix of the fibers. One embodiment of the present invention includes an aluminum-modified textile fiber. In such an embodiment, the textile fiber is an extruded fiber, such as viscose rayon. Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , aluminum-modifiedtextile fibers 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention havealuminum particles 12 distributed throughout thefiber matrix 14. - In a method of making such fibers, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum particles may be mixed or dispersed into a flowable polymer or solution of polymeric precursors, which is then extruded to form the aluminum-modified fibers. Conventional extrusion methods or modifications of conventional extrusion methods may be used to form the fibers. In an embodiment of the present invention, the flowable polymer is cellulose of a type used to make viscose rayon. In an exemplary embodiment, the aluminum content of the fiber is no more than 80% w/w. In an exemplary embodiment, the aluminum content of the fiber is in the range of about 60% w/w to about 70% w/w. In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber is a viscose rayon fiber. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 10 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 20 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 30 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 40 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 50 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 100 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 150 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 100 microns to about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the aluminum particles each have a particle size in a range of about 50 microns to about 100 microns.
-
FIG. 3 is a schematic process diagram of the burning behavior of an aluminum-modifiedfiber 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thefiber 16 comprisesaluminum particles 18 in acellulosic matrix 20. As a conventional cellulosic fiber (not shown) burns, it generally forms a char and releases gaseous decomposition products. When the aluminum-modifiedfiber 16 is ignited, thealuminum particles 18 migrate from the degradedmatrix 20 to the fiber surfaces 22, 24, formingbarriers barrier charred fiber 16. - Another embodiment of the present invention includes a woven or non-woven textile fabric modified by application of an aluminum-filled coating material to the fabric.
FIG. 4 illustrates an arrangement of fabrics used in anon-flip mattress 30 in a schematic cross-sectional view. Thenon-flip mattress 30 includes anon-fabric core 32, which may be of any known type used in non-flip mattresses in general or of types yet to be developed. Thecore 32 is surrounded by mattress ticking 34, which may be of any known type, and afiller cloth 36 including a textile fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention. Afabric fire barrier 38 is provided between the ticking 34 andcore 32. In mattresses according to embodiments of the present invention, one or both of thefiller cloth 36 and thefabric fire barrier 38 are fire-resistant fabrics according to embodiments of the present invention. Further, the arrangement of fabrics in the mattress ofFIG. 4 and similarly-arranged mattresses according to embodiments of the present invention may be readily adapted to reversible mattresses (not shown) in arrangements understood in the prior art or yet to be developed. Yet further, filler cloths or fabric fire barriers such as those shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , or discussed elsewhere herein, may be used in other household furnishings (e.g., without limitation, mattress foundations or upholstered furniture) in arrangements known in the art. -
FIG. 5 is a detail of thefiller cloth 36, which is an embodiment of the fire-resistant fabric of the present invention. Thefiller cloth 36 includes atextile substrate 40, and upper andlower coatings textile substrate 40 and is integrated with thetextile substrate 40. In embodiments of the present invention, theupper coating 42 and/or thelower coating 44 each extends along a respective surface of thetextile substrate 40 and is integrated with thetextile substrate 40.Filler cloth 36 is an exemplary embodiment of the flame-retardant fabrics of the present invention, which also include fire barriers, such asfire barrier 38, and other coated flame-retardant fabrics. - In embodiments of the present invention, the
textile substrate 40 includes a woven or non-woven textile containing at least cellulosic fibers (not shown). The cellulosic fibers may be fire-resistant cellulosic fibers, such as fire-resistant rayon (e.g., viscose) fibers, or non-fire-resistant cellulosic fibers. Fire-resistant aluminum-modified fibers according to embodiments of the present invention are one of the types of fire-resistant fibers that may be used in the fire-resistant fabric of the present invention. Other types of fire-resistant fibers known in the art may also be used in the fire-resistant fabric of the present invention, including, without limitation, silica-modified fibers, chemically-treated fibers, polyester fibers, and thermoplastic polymeric fibers. In an embodiment, thetextile substrate 40 is a blend of cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers. In an embodiment, the cellulosic fibers constitute from about 60% to about 90% of thetextile substrate 40, with the balance of the textile substrate being thermoplastic polymer fibers. In an embodiment, thetextile substrate 40 is one of a 60/40 blend, a 65/35 blend, a 70/30 blend, a 75/25 blend, an 80/20 blend, an 85/25 blend, and a 90/10 blend of cellulosic fibers/thermoplastic fibers. The selection and manufacture of appropriate textile substrates for use in the present invention will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art and possession of the present disclosure. - In embodiments of the present invention, the
coatings aluminum particles 46. In other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), one of the upper andlower coatings aluminum particles 46 and the other does not. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, thefiller cloth 36 has only anupper coating 42 or alower coating 44. - In embodiments of the present invention, the
coatings textile substrate 40 as flowable coating materials. In embodiments of the present invention, such flowable coating materials include a solvent (e.g., water), a binder (e.g., a latex binder), and aluminum particles. In some embodiments, the flowable coating materials further include a pigment. In some embodiments, the flowable coating materials further include auxiliary chemistries, such as wetting agents, surfactants, or pigment stabilizers. The selection and use of appropriate solvents, binders, pigments, and auxiliary chemistries will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art and possession of the present disclosure. - In embodiments of the present invention, the flowable coating material has a composition in which the aluminum is present in the coating material in the range of about 1% to about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, the aluminum is present in the flowable coating material in range of about 10% to about 20% by weight. Workable flowable coating materials include from about 10% to about 20% aluminum by weight in an aqueous suspension with about 5% acrylic latex as a binder. The total solids content of such workable coating materials is roughly 50% w/w. The foregoing amounts of aluminum, binder, and other solids may be varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art and possession of the present disclosure.
- Continuing to refer to
FIG. 5 , in embodiments of the present invention, the flowable coating material is applied to thetextile substrate 40 to form thecoatings textile substrate 40 by one or more of processes known in the art or yet to be developed for applying flowable materials to sheets. Such methods include, without limitation, dip coating processes, spray coating processes, slot coating processes, and foam coating processes. Foam coating processes have been found to be particularly effective in applying the coating materials of the present invention to textiles. In an embodiment, the flowable coating material includes a liquid carrier, and the liquid carrier is driven off from thecoatings - In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum is present in the
filler cloth 36 in an amount of about 20% by weight of thefiller cloth 36. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum is present in thefiller cloth 36 in an amount in the range of about 0.005% about 20% by weight of thefiller cloth 36. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum is present in thefiller cloth 36 in an amount in the range of about 0.005% to about 10% by weight of thefiller cloth 36. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum is present in thefiller cloth 36 in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 3% by weight of thefiller cloth 36, although, in some embodiments, the aluminum is present in thefiller cloth 36 in an amount of up to about 5% of thefiller cloth 36. The amounts of coating material and/or aluminum added to the textile may be varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art and possession of the present disclosure. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coated fabric has a weight in the range of 2 ounces per square yard to 8 ounces per square yard. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6 through 10 , manufacture of fire barrier 120 in accordance with the present invention is depicted diagrammatically inFIG. 6 wherein it is seen that a blend of non-woven inherently flame retardant cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers in the form of acontinuous batt 140 is advanced through anapparatus 142, from asupply roll 143, into anoven 144 where the blend of fibers withinbatt 140 is bound into a high-loft fabric that emerges from theoven 144 in the form of asheet 16 that includes opposite filamentous surfaces 148. As best seen inFIGS. 7 and 8 , the filamentous nature ofsurfaces 148 is a result of fibers of thebatt 140 projecting from thebatt 140 in the form of a multitude offilaments 150, withinterstices 152 between thefilaments 150. -
Apparatus 142 includes asupply 160 of adispersion 162 of finely divided aluminum material dispersed within a liquid carrier, the preferred liquid being water. Thesheet 146 is passed to astation 170 wheredispersion 162 is applied to eachsurface 148 ofsheet 146, preferably throughrespective banks 172 of spray heads 174 which direct afine mist spray 176 to eachcorresponding surface 148, as seen inFIG. 9 . Thefine mist spray 176 assures that thedispersion 162 enters theinterstices 152 between thefilaments 150 orsheet 146. - Upon leaving
station 170,sheet 146 is directed back intooven 144 where the liquid carrier of thedispersion 162 within theinterstices 152 is driven off, leaving aluminum material deposited within theinterstices 152 to be integrated with thesheet 146, in alayer 180 of aluminum material extending along eachsurface 148 of thesheet 146, as seen inFIG. 10 . Thesheet 146 is then ready for dividing into appropriately dimensionedfire barriers 38 in which layers 42, 44 of aluminum material extend along the corresponding upper and lower surfaces of thesubstrate 40, and are integrated with thesubstrate 40. Thelayers fire barrier 38 with lowered thermal transmission properties as compared to previous fabric fire barriers. In addition, by filling the interstices with aluminum material, the filamentous nature of the surfaces of thesubstrate 40 is substantially reduced, and preferably eliminated, producing a concomitant reduction in flame propagation across the completedfire barrier 38. - It will be seen that the present invention attains all of the objects and advantages summarized above, namely: establishes enhanced flame retardant characteristics in high-ion fabric fire barriers constructed of non-woven inherently flame retardant fibers; provides high-loft fabric fire barriers of exceptional strength, durability and superior flame retardant characteristics; enables the economical manufacture of high-loft fabric fire barriers that exhibit exemplary performance, especially in the construction of mattresses, as well as in domestic bedding and upholstered items; utilizes inherently flame retardant fibers together with aluminum material for attaining enhanced flame retardant characteristics for exemplary flame retardant performance in the nature of lower thermal transfer and reduced flame propagation, coupled with durability and strength, together with desirable physical characteristics, without the necessity for additional coating operations, or otherwise adding flame retardant chemistry, in order to attain requisite flame retardant properties; simplifies the manufacture of fabric fire barriers exhibiting a high degree of flame retardant performance, utilizing relatively simple, conventional manufacturing techniques; provides highly reliable flame retardant performance in high-loft fabric fire barriers and the like, intended for rugged, long-term service; provides a mattress construction that exhibits enhanced flame retardant characteristics; makes available a wide variety of economical fabric fire barriers for exemplary performance over an extended service life.
- Further embodiments of coated filler cloths and other coated textile fabrics according to the present invention, as well as articles of manufacture incorporating such coated textile fabrics, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,469,935, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Claims (20)
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US16/528,749 US20210032802A1 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2019-08-01 | Fabrics for Flame Retardation |
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US16/528,749 US20210032802A1 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2019-08-01 | Fabrics for Flame Retardation |
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US20210032802A1 true US20210032802A1 (en) | 2021-02-04 |
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US16/528,749 Abandoned US20210032802A1 (en) | 2019-08-01 | 2019-08-01 | Fabrics for Flame Retardation |
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Citations (1)
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US20040121114A1 (en) * | 2002-11-29 | 2004-06-24 | Neworld Fibers, Llc | Methods, systems and compositions for fire retarding substrates |
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US20040121114A1 (en) * | 2002-11-29 | 2004-06-24 | Neworld Fibers, Llc | Methods, systems and compositions for fire retarding substrates |
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