Flammability Measurement and Thermal Aging of Chemical Protective Suit Materials

Abstract

Test methods were described for measuring the flammability of materials used in chemical protective clothing. Vertical and 45° type flame test procedures were used to evaluate and classify the flammability of selected materials. Test protocols were developed to measure the resistance to hot surface contact and to low heat similar to the maximum temperatures expected under severe storage conditions. This research evaluated the effect of a chemical protective suit layer on the thermal protective performance of Nomex fabric and firefighter's turnout coat ensemble. Analytical methods were used to assess the effects of convective heat exposure on the thermophysical properties of chemical protective suit materials.