5 - Performance evaluation of thermal protective clothing

Abstract

Performance evaluation methods for thermal protective clothing are reviewed. The chapter starts with relevant standards and test methods for evaluating the softening/melting temperature and flammability of fabrics, and then the thermal protective performance evaluation methods for fabrics and clothing are discussed. As the sensor is the basic component for this evaluation, a review of different sensors (eg, copper sensor, skin simulant sensor) is provided. The bench-scale and full-scale manikin tests for evaluating the thermal protective performance of fabrics and clothing is thoroughly illustrated. Finally, the evaluation procedures of physiological comfort provided by the clothing to wearers are demonstrated using the bench-scale, full-scale manikin, and human trial tests. As many researchers used these methods to evaluate the performance of thermal protective clothing, their research is also critically reviewed in this chapter. This chapter develops fundamental knowledge on testing and evaluating the protective and comfort performance of thermal protective clothing for firefighters.