Ignition Process in Single and Multicomponent Polyester/Cotton Textile Structures

Abstract

The thermal-decomposition behavior and the ignition characteristics of a sories of polyester/cotton fabrics have been studied. Thermal decomposition at 80°C/min in a nitrogen atmosphere is generally retarded by increasing polyester content. Calculated decomposition curves, based on 100% cotton and 100% polyester decomposition curves, do not agree with those observed, either for blended or for layered systems. The interaction implied appears to have a physical rather than a chemical basis. Ignition characteristics in single and multicomponent systems depend sifinificantly on the level of the radiant-energy field surrounding the ignition area, between 7 and 18 W/cm², as well as on the composition of the fabric. Intrinsic ignition times from autoignition experiments tend to increase with increasing polyester content, but for piloted ignition most intrinsic ignition times are effectively zero.

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