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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Purely for safety purposes, flame retardance or flame resistance of a
fabric is a highly desirable characteristic. Of many methods available for
developing various levels of flame retardancy all possess a variety of
disadvantages, the principal ones being the inability of the flame
retardant material, or treatment, to last through laundering or dry
cleaning operations. Another principal disadvantage of treatments of
fabrics to develop this characteristic of flame retardance is the loss of
hand in the substrate. The problem is greatly aggravated in some areas of
handling, particularly where it is necessary to meet statutory
requirements for flame retardance in garments. Their physical condition
being in the form of a bundle of fine fibers invites and encourages the
sustenance of a flame if one gets started in the fabric. That is, a large
area of oxidation is presented to any flame which gets started.
It is accordingly a basic object of this invention to provide a method
employing familiar techniques in the textile industry for the application
of flame retardant materials to textile fibers, whether the fibers be in
the form of woven cloth, knitted cloth or in the form of balls of the
thread prior to being woven into the cloth.
It is another object of the invention to provide technique which can be
melded with the dispersed dyestuff application techniques for rendering
fabric flame retardant.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and
in part appear hereinafter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a novel approach to flame proofing
disperse dyeable synthetic materials which entails a process similar to
dyeing but using colorless pigments with flame retardant properties. The
colorless pigments are highly brominated aromatic and cyclic aliphatic
compounds, which are extremely heat stable, high melting solids, which in
addition are easily pulverized by milling to any desired particle size,
ranging from 1 to 2 microns in average diameter.
Once the particles of the brominated compounds have been reduced to the
optimum size, they are dispersed in water, at any concentration, by slowly
adding them to water under strong agitation with a high speed, high shear
mixer. In some cases a strong surface active agent must be added to effect
uniform and thorough wetting of the flame retardant particles e.g. about
0.5% to about 2.5%. After addition of the solid has been completed, the
resulting dispersion can be stabilized by adding small quantities of a
protective colloid (commonly called thickener) such as
carboxymethylcellulose, ethoxy- or methoxycellulose of selected molecular
weight to achieve an optimum viscosity to prevent the fine particles from
settling. The resulting milky, viscous paste remains stable for an
indefinite length of time, if stored under normal storing conditions.
The dispersion obtained as described above, can be applied to disperse
dyeable synthetic materials by exhaustion or padding techniques, normally
employed to dye these materials. The dispersion, general preparation
procedure of, was described above, will be referred to as "FR Dispersion".
The FR Dispersion can be applied by three different techniques:
I. Batch process, at atmospheric pressure in presence of dye carrier with
or without a dye levelling agent, commonly known as atmospheric dyeing
process;
II. Batch process, under pressure, with or without a carrier and/or
levelling agent, commonly referred to as pressure dyeing process;
III. Continuous process, at atmospheric pressure without the use of
carriers and or levelling agents, commonly called as the thermosol
process.
I. Atmospheric Batch Application
This operation is normally performed by immersing the goods to be processed
in water contained in a suitable vessel at room temperature, wetting them
thoroughly in the same and then heating them to a predetermined
temperature. At this point a dye carrier and, if necessary, a levelling
agent, and any other desired auxiliary, are added. The good are thoroughly
wetted in this solution. At this point the FR Dispersion and the disperse
dyestuffs, if necessary, are incorporated in any given order, at regular
intervals to allow the solution to reach quilibrium. The solution
containing the goods, which at all times are maintained in constant motion
by mechanical means, is slowly heated to the boil and boiled for a
prolonged period of time. A sample of the material is now pulled and
checked for color and flammability. Adjustments, if needed, are now made
and the bath cooled replaced with solution of a scouring agent, and the
goods are scoured and rinsed.
The above described process mainly applied to textile materials, but is not
exclusive for the same and can be used on staple tow, continuous filament
or spun yarns, piece goods, such as knits, woven, non-woven fabrics,
carpets, continuous films and the like.
This operation if normally carried out on becks, jigs, skein dyeing
machines, tow and staple dyeing machines and the like.
The dye carriers are normally water insoluble organic materials which can
be made water dispersible or emulsifiable by addition of suitable
emulsifying or dispersing e.g. anionic dispersing agents in an amount,
illustratively, of about 0.5% to about 2.5%. The best known carriers are
trichlorobenzene, biphenyl, orthophenyl phenol, butyl benzoate, methyl
naphthalene, dichlorobenzene, perchloroethylene and the like. The
mechanism of dyeing with carriers has been extensively studied and many
more or less well-founded theories have been voiced on the subject.
However, the mechanism of carriers is inconsequential to the scope of this
invention.
The term disperse dyestuff applies to finely divided pigmentary organic
materials of micron or submicron particle size dispersed or dispersible in
water under given conditions. These materials are known to impart color
fastness under most conditions, to hard to dye materials. The brominated
aromatic compounds used in this invention, are similar to disperse dyes in
their physical characteristics and their behavior towards some synthetic
materials in the respect of their absorptivity and fastness when applied
to those materials as described above.
II. Pressure, Batch Application
Another means of dyeing disperse dyeable materials is using hermetically
closed vessels and raising the temperature above the atmospheric boiling
point of water. This high temperature has an effect similar to the one
exerted by dye carriers and the need for carriers to effect the dyeing
operation is either completely eliminated or reduced to a minimum. Water
at high temperature, normally around 125.degree. C., appears to have a
similar carrier effect as the materials listed above have been found to
have.
The equipment used in this case is similar to that described above for
dyeing at atmospheric pressure, with the difference that in this case it
is tightly closed. The machines most commonly used are the yarn package
dyeing machine, Burlington Engineering's Pressure Beck, Gaston County's
Jet Dyeing Machine and others based on the same pressure dyeing principle.
The carriers used in this case are similar or the same as used in
atmospheric dyeing and the dyeing procedure is also much the same as above
with the difference that the dye bath is heated to .+-.125.degree. C.
In this case again the FR Dispersions show the same behavior as disperse
dyes and are absorbed by the disperse dyeable materials.
III. ATMOSPHERIC, CONTINUOUS APPLICATION
In the case of continuous application by the pad-dry-thermosol process, the
brominated aromatic material must possess a melting point
20.degree.-30.degree. C., lower than the thermosol temperature employed,
but the melting point must be 10.degree.-20.degree. C., higher than the
drying temperature used. In addition the brominated compounds must not
undergo decomposition at the thermosol temperatures and/or change its
color crystalline structure, etc., at those temperatures. The preferred
brominated materials melt between 125.degree. C., and 175.degree. C., and
remain stable, without discoloration and/or evaporation when heated to
250.degree. C., and maintained at this temperature for 5 minutes.
The brominated flame retardant, predispersed in water, is dissolved in a
predetermined amount of water and the disperse dyes, if needed, and any
auxiliary required, are added to this solution. The material to be treated
is then dipped in this treating bath and the excess removed by squeezing
it between two rollers. The wet material is then dried by passing it over
a series of hot cans, between sets of infrared dryers, through a chamber
with circulating hot air or any other means available for drying, at
temperatures ranging between 100.degree. C., and 125.degree. C., for a
period of time long enough to reduce the moisture content of the treated
goods as close to zero as possible.
The goods thus treated are then baked at temperatures ranging between
200.degree. C., and 250.degree. C., immediately after drying or at any
convenient time thereafter for periods of time between 1 minute and 3
minutes. This heat treatment, normally referred to as thermosoling, has
the effect of melting the brominated materials and driving it into the
core of the substrate resulting in a permanent fixation of the same. The
brominated treating material must not sublime or evaporate at the
thermosol temperatures, since condensation on colder surfaces of the
thermosol machines and dripping onto the goods being treated will result
in unwanted spotting of the same. The brominated materials must also not
discolor at the thermosol temperatures since this will result in yellowing
of white goods or shade change of dyed goods. The brominated compounds
must also not interact with the disperse dyestuffs, any other auxiliary
they are used in conjunction with and/or the material they are applied to,
at room or elevated temperatures, since this might lead to severe color
changes of the dyes, impaired yield, degradation of the substrate,
corrosion of the machinery, etc.
The goods can now be soaped off in any convenient way, to remove surface or
loose particles. This step is unimportant to the scope of the invention.
The process of this invention, is applicable to textile materials, in
staple, tow, yarn, woven, non-woven, circular knitted, tricot knitted,
raschel knitted, double knitted, crimped, texturized, flocked, tufted,
etc., form to continuous films, sheets, etc., used for packaging,
decorations, insulation, etc., and any other material dyeable by the
pad-dry-thermosol process.
The chemical nature of the treated materials is a polymer obtained by
condensation of terephthalic acid with a glycol, normally ethylene or
propylene glycol, known under the generic name of polyester. The polymer
might also be modified by copolymerization with other materials so as to
achieve any desired special effect.
The flame retardant treatment thus applied will withstand any conventional
way of cleaning, will not affect, hand, color, texture, appearance, etc.,
of the substrate, will not, if appropriate compounds are used, degrade by
the action of sunlight, heat, moisture aging, bacterial action, etc.,
alone or in combination with each other.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention utilizes brominated aromatic compounds, preferably
brominated as flame retarding materials. The preferred aromatic compounds
employed are derivatives of:
##STR1##
Where A through N are the same or different and can be H, Br, CH.sub.3,
C.sub.2 H.sub.5, C.sub.3 H.sub.7,
##STR2##
C.sub.4 H.sub.9 and the like; and X, Y, Z can be the same or different and
can be H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, C.sub.3 H.sub.7, C.sub.6 H.sub.5,
##STR3##
and the like; wherein N' and M' are the same or different and can be
chosen among H, NH.sub.4, NH.sub.2, Na, K, Li, Ca, Mg, Ba, Sb, Ti, I, and
the like.
Aliphatic cyclic compounds of the nature:
##STR4##
The preferred entities are:
1. Polybrominated benzenes of the general formula:
##STR5##
where A' to F' are the same or different and may be H or Br, with at least
one Br present on the benzene ring.
2. Polybromo monoalkyl benzene of the general formula:
##STR6##
where R.sub.1 may be alkyl, preferably of 1-5 carbons such as methyl,
ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, tert butyl; unsaturated alkyls
haloalkyl or polyhaloalkyl wherein the moiety may include up to four
bromine atoms where the halogens are chlorine and/or bromine and A', B',
C', D', E' are as defined in numbered paragraph 1 immediately preceding.
3. Polybromo dialkyl benzene of the general formula:
##STR7##
where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are the same as to
R.sub.1 in numbered paragraph 2 immediately preceding.
4. Polybrominated phenols of the general formula:
##STR8##
wherein X' is H, R.sub.1,
##STR9##
wherein n is 1 to 4, C.sub.6 H.sub.5, Cl or Br;
##STR10##
where R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and can be H, alkyl
preferably of 1-5 carbon atoms, bromoalkyl, polybromoalkyl and the like;
aryl, phenyl, bromoaryl, bromophenyl, polybromoaryl, polybromophenyl,
NH.sub.4, NH.sub.2, Na, K, Li, Ca, Ba, Sb, Ti and the like; or
##STR11##
wherein R.sub.3 is as defined hereinabove.
5. Polybrominated biphenyls of the general formula:
##STR12##
where A" to J" are the same or different and are H, Br, lower alkyl
C.sub.1 to C.sub.5, aryl, OH
##STR13##
X being OH, NH.sub.2, ONH.sub.4, Na, K and the like.
6. Polybrominated terphenyls of the general formula:
##STR14##
where A" to N" have the values assigned to A" to J" in numbered paragraph
5 hereof.
7. Polybrominated aniline of the general formula:
##STR15##
where A" to E" have the values assigned to A" to N" in numbered paragraph
6 immediately preceding, and X" and Y" are H, lower alkyl C.sub.1 to
C.sub.5, aryl, bromoalkyl, polybromoalkyl, bromoaryl, polybromoaryl phenyl
bromophenyl, polybromophenyl and the like.
8. Polybrominated aromatic mono and polyacids, anhydrides or esters of the
same or the general formula:
##STR16##
9. Polybrominated bisphenol A of the general formula:
##STR17##
wherein A" to H" have the values assigned in numbered paragraph 5
hereinabove; and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have the values assigned in numbered
paragraph 3 above.
In the process of preparing the proofing agents of the present invention
the polyhalogenated solid material is milled to a convenient particle
size, ranging from 0.1 to 10 microns, using any suitable means such as
pebble mills, hammer mills, sand grinders, jet grinders and the like.
The water-insoluble organic bromine compound is present in one embodiment
of the invention in a concentration of up to about 75 percent, such as 50
percent to 75 percent. It is also true that the fine powder thus obtained
is dispersed in 0.25 to 1 part, preferably, 0.3 to 0.4 parts of water
containing a small amount (0.1 to 0.5%) of a nonionic wetting agent of the
ethoxylated nonylphenol type. Using a high speed high shear mixer or
blender the dispersion is stabilized with a small amount e.g. an amount of
about 1% to about 5% of a protective colloid such as hydroxyethyl
cellulose. A smaller proportion of 0.2 to 0.5% or more of the latter is
normally sufficient, however.
The resultant product may be used in the concentration thus obtained or may
be diluted with 0.5 to 10 parts of water to each part of the dispersion.
The substrate to be treated is immersed in the resultant dispersion which
can also contain 5 to 30% of the weight of the goods of a dye carrier and
then slowly heated to the boil if open equipment is used or to
110.degree.-140.degree. C., preferably 125.degree. C., if a sealed machine
is used. This solution can also contain disperse dyestuffs as well as the
flame retarder. This solution is now maintained at the desired temperature
for 1-5 hours, preferably 1-2 hours allowing the dyes and the flame
retardant to exhaust uniformly onto the substrate being treated.
After the operation has been completed the treating solution is cooled to
room temperature and discarded. The goods are then rinsed to remove any
surface deposits and dried by any convenient means at any convenient
temperature.
Another means of applying the fire retardant is by dipping the substrate to
be treated in a dispersion containing 5-50%, preferably 10-25%, of the
concentrated flame retardant dispersion insuring complete and even
impregnation and the excess solution removed, suitably by pressing between
two rollers or the like. The treated substrate is then air dried at
between 100.degree. and 120.degree. C., and baked between 175.degree. and
225.degree. C., for 30 to 120 seconds.
The substrates which might be treated by this method include all synthetic
thermoplastic materials which are dyeable with disperse dyestuffs, which
include polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, cellulose di and tri
acetates.
The substrate to be treated may be in the form of staple, tow, filaments,
yarn, thread, continuous fiber, woven, knitted and non-woven fabrics,
carpet, sheets, films and the like. The quantities to be used will vary
depending on the construction of the material, its flammability and the
flame retardant specification to be met.
EXAMPLE I
70 parts of finely pulverized hexabromo benzene having an average particle
size of 1.5 microns were slowly added to 30 parts of water, under rapid
agitation, containing 0.25% of an ethoxylated nonyl phenol type wetting
agent. After addition was completed the agitation was continued for an
extra 15 minutes. To this dispersion 10 parts of a 4% hydroxyethyl
cellulose solution in water having a viscosity of approximately 300,000
centipoises were added and the resulting dispersion was agitated for an
additional 15 minutes. This dispersion was designated I.
A piece of a spun woven polyester fabric weighing 10 grams fastened to a
rod was immersed in 150 milliliters of water at room temperature with a pH
of 6.0 and adjusted with monosodium phosphate contained in a beaker. This
beaker was placed in an oil bath. The rod was now attached to a mechanism
which imparted an up and down motion at a rate of 20 strokes per minute.
The oil bath was now heated by means of an electrical resistance until the
temperature of the water reached 50.degree. C. Heating was now interrupted
and 2.5 grams of self-emulsifiable biphenyl predissolved in 2.5 grams of
water at 50.degree. C. were added as a swelling agent. This solution was
maintained at 50.degree. C. for 10 minutes to allow the biphenyl to
penetrate the fabric. At this point 2 grams of dispersion I and 1 gram of
disperse Blue 1 (color index #42025) were added. This solution was now
heated, at a rate of 0.5.degree. C., per minute, to the boil. The bath was
maintained at the boil for 2 hours. At this point the beaker was removed
from the oil bath and placed in a cooling bath. The rod with the fabric
was removed from the beaker and rinsed using running water at room
temperature. The fabric was removed from the rod and dried in an oven at
105.degree. C.
The fabric was now folded and sewn with a non flame retarded cotton thread
to form a seam. The flammability along the seam was now tested using
method DOC FF3-71 giving a void area of 1.5 inches initially and 2.0
inches after 50 launderings and tumble dryings. A similar fabric non flame
retarded was consumed entirely when tested by this method.
EXAMPLE II 70 parts of finely pulverized tetrabromo ortho chlorotoluene
having an average particle size of less than 2 microns was dispersed in
water in the same manner as dispersion I. This dispersion was designated
II.
A piece weighing 10 grams of a tufted polypropylene carpet with a jute
backing was treated similarly as in Example I, but using 1.0 grams of
dispersion II. After dyeing cycle was completed the carpet was dried at
80.degree. C. until dry.
The dyed carpet exhibited approximately 10% less color than a sample dyed
similarly but without the flame retardant.
The flammability of the treated carpet was tested using flammability
standard for carpets and rugs DOC FF1-70, giving a burn 1 inch in
diameter, whereas the control carpet was totally consumed when tested by
this procedure.
EXAMPLE III
70 parts of pulverized tris tribromophenyl phosphate having a particle size
less than 2 microns was dispersed in water in the same fashion as
dispersion I.
A package of 100% polyester filament yarn weighing approximately 1,000
grams, wound on a spring type tube, was placed in a closed vessel equipped
with a heating element and a centrifugal pump which would pump liquid
through the center to the periphery of the package. A funnel type vessel
equipped with a valve is connected to the inlet of the pump. This is used
to make additions of chemicals and/or dyes. The vessel containing the
package was covered with a lid which was then fastened tightly with bolts.
Approximately 8 liters of water at room temperature were pumped into the
dye vessel with this liquid circulating through the package. The water was
heated to 110.degree. C. and the pH adjusted to 6.0 with monosodium
phosphate. The liquid was circulated for 5 minutes at the same
temperature. At this point 50 grams of disperse yellow #3 (color index
#11855) pasted in 50 grams of water containing 0.1% dispersing agent were
allowed to flow into the dye chamber. This solution was allowed to
circulate through the package for 5 minutes. At this point 50 grams of
dispersion III were added and the solution circulated for 5 minutes. 50
grams of self-emulsifiable 1,3,4 trichlorobenzene were now added and
heating was begun at a rate of 1.degree. C. per minute until a temperature
of 121.degree. C. was reached. The solution was maintained at this
temperature for 60 minutes and then allowed to cool to
70.degree.-80.degree. C. when it was discharged and replaced with water
containing 1 gr/lt tetrasodium pyrophosphate 1 gr/lt sodium hydrosulphite
and 0.5 grs/lt non-ionic detergent at 70.degree. C. and with this liquid
circulating through the yarn package the temperature was raised to
100.degree. C. and maintained at the same for 20 minutes. The scouring
solution was now discharged and replaced with water at 50.degree. C. The
water was drained off, the package removed from the vessel and air dried
in an oven at 105.degree. C.
The yarn from the package was now knitted into a sock, a fold was made in
this sock which was stitched with a sewing machine using non-flame
retarded cotton thread resembling a seam and the flammability was tested
along this seam following method described in DOC FF3-71, flammability of
children's sleepwear. The sample treated as described above gave a void
area of 21/2 inches, while a sample dyed under the same conditions, but
without dispersion was consumed in its entire length. No difference in
coloration was seen when both samples were compared visually.
EXAMPLE IV
70 parts of hexabromo biphenyl having an average particle size of 2 microns
and a melting point between 136.degree. C. and 150.degree. C. was
dispersed in 30 parts of water in the same fashion as dispersion I. This
suspension was designated dispersion V.
20 parts of dispersion V were dissolved in 80 parts of water and 0.5 parts
of an alkyl-aryl sulfonate wetting agent were added to this solution.
A piece of 100% polyester double knit fabric was immersed in this solution
and the excess removed by squeezing it between two rollers. The fabric
picked up 110% of its weight of the solution and was now air dried in an
oven at 105.degree. C. The particles of hexabromobiphenyl were noticeable
on the surface and would become loose on shaking the fabric. The treated
material was now baked at 200.degree. C. for 90 seconds in a forced air
oven. The banking had the effect of melting the flame retardant and
driving it into the core of the fiber. No dusting off was observed after
the baking operation.
The treated fabric was judged flame retardant when tested according to
standard for the flammability of children's sleepwear DOC FF3-71.
In recapitulation, it will be apparent from inspection of the examples that
my technique for rendering a fabric flame retardant is to disperse it in
the fabric. In so doing I formulate the flame retarding material in an
extremely fine particle size suspended in an aqueous medium with a
protective colloid material so that a solution or dispersion of this can
be used for padding of the material. Generally the materials used will be
in the form of fibers, but fabrics are also contemplated. The end result
is that the extremely fine particles enter the fibers and on drying of the
paste in which they are incorporated, or mere aqueous suspension in which
they are used, they are mechanically included within the surface of the
fiber itself, there to function as the flame retardant. To obtain maximum
dispersion I have found that particle size of 0.10 micron or smaller is
desirable that the particle sizes up to 3 microns average particle
diameter, are useful. Generally, the one to 2 micron range is preferred.
When I speak of particle size I speak of the average in statistical terms.
This is measured either in a Colter Counter or a Fisher Counter, or a
microscopic measurement. Also sedimentation rates are sometimes used. The
techniques for accomplishing such measurements are generally quite well
known among chemists and need not be set forth herein in detail.
An inherent fundamental requirement of the process however is that the
material used as the flame retardant be a highly insoluble compound.
Hence, ideally, the flame retardant material will show a statistical
particle size wherein about 90% or more of the particles will be under 2
microns in diameter.
If the particles could be reduced to less than one micron, in diameter, it
would be advantageous in the fabric and thus would not cause loss of
luster.
As suspending agents, various organic protective colloidal materials
soluble in water are useful. For example, the Cellosize materials, and
ethoxy cellulose, methoxy cellulose and other carboxyalkyl celluloses are
quite useful. Polyvinylacetate is useful also. Genrally, any colloidal
protective material which is virtually inert on a fabric and serves to
hold the materials in suspension will be useful.
I have specified that the material should be highly insoluble. Basically,
the more insoluble the material the better. Generally, I prefer to confine
the use of the flame retardants to those showing insolubility of less of
1/10th part per 1000 parts of solvent.
Using the techniques and formulations of any of the examples given, namely
1 through 7, the following compounds may be used for application to the
various bases identified in the several examples:
Polybrominated biphenyl=hexabromo
Polybrominated biphenyl oxide=decabromo biphenyl oxide
Polybrominated benzene=hexabromo
Polybrominated toluene=pentabromo toluene
Polybrominated chlorotoluene=tetrabromine
Polybrominated phenol=pentabromo phenol
Polybrominated aniline=tribromo aniline
Polybrominated benzoic acid=dibromo benzoic acid
Tris phosphates of polybrominated phenols
Polybrominated cyclopentane=tetrabromo cyclo
Polybrominated cyclohexane=hexabromo cyclo
Polybrominated cyclooctane=hexabromo cyclo
Polybrominated cyclodecane=hexabromo cyclo
Polybrominated cyclododecane=hexabromo cyclo
Hexachlorocyclopentadieno-dibromocyclooctane=hexabromo cyclo
N,N'-ethyl-bis(dibromo-norbornene-dicarboximide)=hexabromo cyclo
Per chloro penta cyclodecane.
The matter of flammability of a material and particularly the flammability
of a fabric is something which is purely relative. Virtually any organic
compound because it is composed of carbon-hydrogen-oxygen atoms will burn
if conditions are right. As a matter of public safety those materials
which go into general circulation and general public use which have high
natural flammability are currently the subject matter or rather close
regulation. The regulations stem from statutory authority given to the
Department of Commerce which has issued regulations defining flammability,
principally of fabrics. In all of the examples of this specification and
the use of the variety of compounds mentioned, the basic problem is to
attain a level of flame retardance in material treated which will at least
meet the standards established by the Department of Commerce under its
statutory authority. Thus, these regulations are summarized as follows:
FLAME RETARDANCY TEST
Department of Commerce Fabric Flammability 3-71 (DOC-FF) Public Law No. 88,
1953, 83rd Congress, amended 1956, sets up standards for flame retardancy.
Public Law 90, 90th Congress, Department of Commerce regulations set up
standards of flammability.
Department of Commerce Fabric Flammability 1-70, Federal Register 35, 74,
Apr. 16, 1970, sets up standard for carpets and rugs; expanded Dec. 29,
1970, Federal Register 35, 251, small carpets and rugs, Dec. 29, 1970.
Department of Commerce Fabric Flammability 3-71; Children's Sleepwear
standard for flammability; Federal Register 36, 146, July 29, 1971.
Department of Commerce Fabric Flammability 4-72, sets up standards for
mattresses.
Department of Transportation-Automotive Safety standard No. 302 deals with
flammability of interior materials for cars.
The Federal Hazardous Substances Act also establishes certain standards of
flammability but these standards are within the scope of the tests
outlined. In other words it would appear that as a practical matter of
operativeness the flammability of a material if it is to be considered
nonflammable should be equivalent to that required under the regulations.
In summary and as a possible reference point I have tabulated in the
following the identity of the product, the agency whose regulations apply
and the nature of tests, etc., which is established by its authority.
__________________________________________________________________________
FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS
EFFECT ON
PRODUCT &
CONTROLLING SPECIFIED
PHYSICAL
MARKET/PRODUCT
AGENCY STATUS TEST PROPERTIES EFFECT ON
__________________________________________________________________________
COST
Carpets (over 24
Department
Final standard
Pill test
Essentially eliminates
Very little except
sq. ft) home use
of Commerce
in effect 4/16/71 use of cotton and
where inexpensive
and some shag rugs.
cotton and rayon
carpets eliminated
Carpets Local, State
Varies Usually Most will be tight
Less than 1%
institutional
or Federal Tunnel Test
pile) construction
increase
(HEW,VA) or Underwriters
face yarn. Alumina
Chamber trihydrate used in
backing will not
effect properties.
Carpets (under
Department
Final standard in
Pill test or
Most rugs will
5-10% increase for
24 sq. ft.) of Commerce
effect 12/28/71
warning label
use warning label.
cotton treated with
home use Others will have
no effect on other
hand for cotton rugs or
will switch to acetate
synthetic blends.
Automotive interiors
Department of
Final standard in
Horizontal burn-
Should not be greatly
Cost of interior
(passenger cars,
Transportaion
effect 9/1/72
ing rate test
effected. Some
materials to auto-
multi-purpose passenger properties may
mobile companies
vehicles, trucks and lowered. should form 3-10%.
buses)
Childrens' sleepwear
Department of
Final standard in
Vertical char
Hand may be harsher
Finished woven
cloth
woven and knit sleep-
Commerce effect 7/29/72 may
length test
and strength properties
could cost 33%
more.
wear up to size 6X label until 7/29/73
could be lower
Knit sleepwear
costs
woven goods. Knit
about 10% more.
goods should not be
effected.
Wearing apparel and
Department of
Flammable Fabrics
45 Degree Test
Some garments have
Very little
fabric (dresses,
Commerce Act of 1954 been eliminated, Others
costumes and all other such as costumes are not
articles except hat, washable.
gloves, shoes)
Mattresses Department of
Notice of finding
None established
Should not effect
Costs could be
Foam rubber urethane
Commerce published 6/10/70
yet; cigarette
properties greatly.
increased 5-10%.
foam cotton ticking test suggested
Mattresses (home &
Local & State
Pending Vary Should not effect
Costs could be
institutional) properties greatly.
increased 10-20%.
Blankets Dept. of Commerce
Notice of None estab-
Probably eliminate
Costs could be
finding published
lished yet
rayon blankets.
increased 5-10%
6/10/70 A treated cotton
cotton blankets.
- -- blanket will
have increase for
wool
harsher hand.
acrylic.
Hospitals and
Department of
Some in effect
ASTM E-119
Minor effects on
Costs could be
Nursing homes
Health, Education
Some under
ASTM E-84
properties and
increased 5-10%
(All materials
and Welfare
consideration structural materials.
of construction
Administration Esthetic properties
including wood,
Veterans of fabrics may be
plastics, foam,
Administration reduced.
film and fabric)
Home and Local and State
Local Codes
Vary Many local codes
Difficult to assess
Commercial Codes in effect Many new require use of
Construction
Dept. of Housing
HUD considering
methods being
specific materials.
(All Building
and Urban regs. as part of
developed
Federal regulations
Materials) Development
"Operation probably will be per-
Breakthrough" formance oriented. So
many materials covered
it is difficult to assess
property effects.
Aircraft Department of
(a) Regulation
Vertical char
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