IMPROVING THE PROTECTION PERFORMANCE OF THERMAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Project no. 1273 · Status: Kapanmış · 2016
Summary
The aim of the project is to improve the performance of the layered fabric structure used in the firefighter's garment. For this purpose, shape memory springs were integrated between fabric layers which conventionally used in the production of firefighter clothing in the market. Two different studies were carried out during the project. In the first part of the study, it was investigated how the air gap created between the fabric layers with integrated shape memory spring affected the comfort characteristics of the garment. In the second stage, the convective effect of the air gap formed between the fabric layers with integrated shape memory springs was analyzed. It was observed that the thermal resistance and air permeability of the samples increased as the spring frequency integrated into the sample after the tests performed during the first phase of the work and the frequency of placement of the springs increased. On the other hand, the change of spring number did not have a significant effect on water vapor resistance. As a result of the obtained results, it was concluded that the number of the springs should be kept as low as possible in terms of thermal comfort features and at the same time the springs should be placed between the outer layer and the moisture bar. In the second phase of the study, when the obtained results are examined, the fabric is more resistant to radiant and convective heat owing to the air gap formed by the spring arrangement between the fabric layers. As the spring length increases, the amount of air gap between the fabric layers’ increases, resulting in a longer time for second-degree burns. On the other hand, however, they have significant disadvantages, such as an increase in fabric weight, an increase in garment weight and a decrease in comfort. For this reason, it is suggested that the use of the springs should be as light as possible and should be used in the critical areas of firefighter clothing such as shoulders and chest.