ANALYSIS OF THE FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS
Statistical data on textile ignitions are provided. The properties of cellulose-containing materials are presented, exemplified by cotton, flax, and viscose. The most hazardous fire factors are specified. Such hazardous fire factors are flame, high temperature, smoke, toxic combustions, radial thermal stream, oxygen decrease, and loss of visibility. At certain levels, these factors may become affecting the entire body or create difficulties in arranging the evacuation, making it impossible. Thermal radiation is one of the most hazardous fire factors. Affected by thermal radiation, combustible materials may ignite, which would result in forming new fire bodies. It is also noted that the most dangerous for a human is the ignition of the clothing top-layer textile material. The methods of specifying the fire resistance of textiles consist in specifying the tolerance of a textile product to flame and smoldering or they are reduced to determining the practicability of using the material. It is noted that, as of now, there is no method comprehensive enough among those existing to test the fire-resisting properties of textile materials. In this connection, it is a really topical task to conduct further research in developing the most acceptable methods to test textiles. The data obtained from the experiments conducted have been summarized. The main stages of cellulose combustion have been studied. It is noted that cellulose combustion produces gases, resins, liquids, and solids. This paper presents the comparative analysis of textile materials affected by high-intensity thermal streams. The results of testing three fabric samples using the combustibility testing facility have been presented. The experiment was conducted in compliance with Russian standard GOST 30402-96 without using a burner. We have also presented the analysis of fabric behavior when affected by thermal stream during 90 seconds. It is found that the fire resistance of textile materials that are subsequently used for manufacturing special-purpose clothing is achieved using various types of fabric proofing. It is noted that the samples of fabric without proofing cannot endure high temperatures.