Accession Number:

AD0779886

Title:

Flame-Retardant Clothing and Textile Items for Use in Oxygen-Enriched Environments of Decompression Chambers

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVY CLOTHING AND TEXTILE RESEARCH FACILITY NATICK MA

Personal Author(s):

• Higginbottom, George S.
• Silvia, Jr, John

Report Date:

1974-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

29.0

Abstract:

The Navy Clothing and Textile Research Unit NCTRU has developed clothing and textile items for use in the fire-hazardous, oxygen-enriched atmospheres of divers decompression chambers. Small-scale laboratory tests on the flame retardancy of materials in oxygen-enriched environments led to the selection of candidate materials offering a potential for use. Full-scale flammability tests were performed on items made from materials selected for further study. Analyses of all test results led to the selection of Durette modified Nomex fabrics as offering the best compromise choice of materials for use in end-item constructions. Clothing and textile items were manufactured and forwarded to selected Navy decompression-chamber sites, which are using them on a permanent basis. Information based upon a limited use has shown the items to be acceptable in terms of design, performance and durability. Static generation on Durette materials, reported by some activities, can be effectively controlled by the use of anti-stat softeners during the laundry cycle.

Descriptors:

• *FIRE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
• *UNDERWATER EQUIPMENT
• OXYGEN
• CHAMBERS
• DIVER EQUIPMENT
• FLAMMABILITY
• FIRE RESISTANT MATERIALS
• ENVIRONMENTS
• LABORATORY TESTS
• DECOMPRESSION

Subject Categories:

• Textiles
• Protective Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE