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PUBLICATIONS

Accelerated Weathering of Firefighter Protective Clothing: Delineating the Impact of Thermal, Moisture, and Ultraviolet Light Exposures

Published

Author(s)

Rick D. Davis, Shonali Nazare, Joannie W. Chin

Abstract

Previously we quantified the chemical and mechanical deterioration of polyaramid and polybenzimidazole-based protective clothing fabrics that resulted from concurrent thermal, moisture, and simulated sunlight exposure. This paper reports on individual effects of UV irradiation at ambient conditions and moisture effects at elevated temperature of 50 oC on performance properties of outer shell fabrics used in firefighters’ turnout gear. The mechanical properties which most often decide protective performance of firefighters’ turnout gear include unidirectional stretching, tear resistance and elastic properties have been tested before and after accelerated weathering process. To assess and compare the protective performance of outer shell fabric samples against UV radiation the ultra violet protection factor (UPF) has been calculated. ATR-FTIR analysis has been used to elucidate the chemical changes induced by weathering process. Results suggest that the deterioration in the physical properties of polyaramids and polybenzimidazole are mainly due to photo oxidative reactions, which change the chemical composition of the polymeric system. These chemical changes are known to be responsible for the loss of mechanical performance as well as the color change. The UV exposures however, has less detrimental effect on UPF of fabrics studied. Results suggest that it is important to well define the storage conditions for firefighters’ turnout gears so as to maintain their performance properties.
Citation
Technical Note (NIST TN) - 1746
Report Number
1746
NIST Pub Series
Technical Note (NIST TN)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

DOI Link

Keywords

firefighter protective clothing
Buildings and Construction and Fire

Citation

Davis, R. , Nazare, S. and Chin, J. (2012), Accelerated Weathering of Firefighter Protective Clothing: Delineating the Impact of Thermal, Moisture, and Ultraviolet Light Exposures, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.1746 (Accessed October 7, 2025)

Issues

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Created June 27, 2012, Updated November 10, 2018
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