At the Russian State University named after A.N. Kosygin, textile materials have been created that do not support ignition, but melt when in contact with fire, thereby preventing the spread of fire. According to technical characteristics, the domestic fabric surpasses foreign analogues. Its creators hope to launch large-scale production at Russian textile enterprises this year.
The materials can be used in transport and public spaces as curtains and for upholstered furniture upholstery. Experts note that domestic manufacturers can take up to 80% of the market. At the same time, it is necessary to develop the production of its own polyesters (raw materials for textile products) and flame retardants – additives that suppress ignition reaction.
The development was carried out jointly with the industry consortium "Kosyginsky Scientific and Educational Center", which unites Russian scientific and manufacturing enterprises in the textile industry. The invention is based on a synthetic thread, into which modifying additives, including flame retardants, are introduced at the melt stage.
"For the first time in Russia, a hard-to-ignite interior fabric was made. It can be used in passenger transport and public spaces, in places of mass stay of people," said Elena Gilmanova, one of the creators of the new material, a member of the consortium.
She noted that in comparison with Trevira CS fiber fabrics from German manufacturers, which are considered world leaders in the manufacture of fire-fighting fabrics, domestic fabric is more resistant to fire. This was confirmed by tests to determine the oxygen index of the tissue. It reflects at what percentage of oxygen in the air mixture the material can ignite when exposed to an open flame. Tests have shown that the index of the Russian thread is 32 points — the German equivalent has it equal to 29.
She noted that in comparison with Trevira CS fiber fabrics from German manufacturers, which are considered world leaders in the manufacture of fire-fighting fabrics, domestic fabric is more resistant to fire. This was confirmed by tests to determine the oxygen index of the tissue. It reflects at what percentage of oxygen in the air mixture the material can ignite when exposed to an open flame. Tests have shown that the index of the Russian thread is 32 points — the German equivalent has it equal to 29.
Experts paid great attention to the elaboration of the fabric manufacturing technology.
"During weaving, the thread is oiled. If you do not perform the correct processing and do not remove excess compounds, the fabric will still ignite," explained Olga Kovaleva, Acting Director of the Institute of Art of the Kosygin Russian State University.
The developers believe that in the near future their fabrics will be in demand in passenger transport. According to them, considerable interest is observed from the manufacturers of buses, trams, ship and aircraft manufacturers who strive for transportation safety. At the next stage, their fabrics will be in demand in the manufacture of curtains, upholstered furniture and decor for public spaces – such as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, children's play areas, etc.
"During weaving, the thread is oiled. If you do not perform the correct processing and do not remove excess compounds, the fabric will still ignite," explained Olga Kovaleva, Acting Director of the Institute of Art of the Kosygin Russian State University.
The developers believe that in the near future their fabrics will be in demand in passenger transport. According to them, considerable interest is observed from the manufacturers of buses, trams, ship and aircraft manufacturers who strive for transportation safety. At the next stage, their fabrics will be in demand in the manufacture of curtains, upholstered furniture and decor for public spaces – such as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, children's play areas, etc.
According to experts, the capacity of the Russian market of fire-fighting fabrics is estimated at about 5 thousand tons per year, and 80% of this volume can be occupied by domestic products. And in the medium term, the market may increase by another two or three times.