The History and Development of Fire Retardant Fabrics
The history of fire retardant fabrics is a long and fascinating one. Notably, FR fabrics have been around for centuries, with their first recorded use dating back to the Roman Empire. Since then, they have found applications in various contexts, from safeguarding soldiers in battle to shielding firefighters from burns.
Over the years, the exact composition of fire retardant fabrics has evolved, but their fundamental purpose remains consistent: to slow down or stop the spread of fire.
The History of Fire Retardant Fabrics
FR fabrics trace their origins back to the late 18th century, a response to the Great Fire of London. Initially, the first fire-resistant fabric emerged by adding alum to wool, rendering the wool somewhat more FR, though it proved ineffective.
Moving into the early 19th century, FR fabrics were refined using borax as the fire-retardant agent. While an improvement over alum, these fabrics were still not without shortcomings.
As the late 19th century approached, FR fabrics saw further development, incorporating an array of different chemicals as fire-retardant agents. These fabrics represented a significant advancement in effectiveness, yet their increased efficacy came at a higher cost.
In the early 20th century, a wave of new FR fabrics surfaced, many of which were constructed from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon. These innovative fabrics exhibited superior fire-prevention qualities, rapidly establishing themselves as the industry standard.
The Development of Fire Retardant Fabrics
Today, many different types of FR fabrics are available in the market and are used in various applications. Each fabric type has its unique set of properties that make it more or less effective at resisting fire. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular types of fire retardant fabrics:
1. Nomex
Nomex is a synthetic fibre that was developed specifically for use in FR fabrics. It is highly effective at resisting fire and is often used in military and industrial applications.
2. Kevlar
Kevlar is another synthetic fibre that is often used in FR fabrics. It is very strong and resistant to fire, making it an ideal choice for use in firefighter uniforms and other protective clothing.
3. FR Cotton
FR Cotton is a type of fire retardant fabric that is made from cotton that has been treated with a fire retardant chemical. Cotton is effective at resisting fire and is often used in clothing for children and adults.
4. Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fibre that is often used in fire-retardant fabrics. It is resistant to fire and is often used in industrial applications.
5. Rayon
Rayon is a natural fibre that is often used in FR fabrics. It is not as effective at resisting fire as some other fabrics on this list, but it is still a good choice for clothing.
6. Viscose
Viscose is a synthetic fibre that is often used in FR fabrics. However, it is not as effective at resisting fire as some of the other fibres on the market, but it is still used in many applications due to its low cost and easy availability.
Conclusion
Fire retardant fabrics have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. Today, these fabrics are used in a wide variety of applications, from protective clothing to industrial applications.
There are many different types of FR fabrics available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. However, all fire retardant fabrics share one common goal: to help keep people safe from fire, and they will continue to do so for many years to come.
Finally, when choosing the right FR fabric, you need to take into account the type of fabric you need, the type of fire you are trying to protect against, and the level of protection you need. Direct Fabrics has a wide range of bespoke flame-retardant fabrics. Whether you are in the hotel industry, schools, care homes, or more, we have the curtains for you. Get in touch with us to learn more about our products.