Establishing patterns of mass transfer under the action of water on the hydrophobic coating of the fire-retardant element of a tent

Abstract

This paper reports an analysis of the flame retardants for fabrics that has revealed the fact that the meagerness of data to explain and describe the process of fire protection, specifically the neglect of elastic coatings, leads to that the structures made from fabrics are ignited under the influence of a flame. Devising reliable methods to study the fire protection conditions for fabrics results in the design of new types of fireproof materials. Therefore, there is a need to determine the conditions for the formation of a barrier for water mass transport and to establish a mechanism for slowing down water penetration through the material. In this regard, an estimation-experimental method has been constructed for determining mass transfer under the action of water when using a hydrophobic coating, which makes it possible to assess water penetration. Based on the experimental data and theoretical dependences, the intensity of mass flow under the action of water has been determined, which is 0.000177 kg/m2, which ensures fabric resistance. The study results have proven that the process of waterproofing the fabric involves inhibition of the mass transfer process under the action of water by insulating the surface of the fireproof fabric with a hydrophobic coating. It should be noted that the presence of a hydrophobic coating leads to blocking the fabric surface from moisture penetration. Such a mechanism behind the effect of the hydrophobic coating is likely the factor in adjusting the process through which the integrity of an object is preserved. Thus, the sample of fireproof fabric coated with a water repellent demonstrated, after exposure to water, that the amount of water absorbed did not exceed 0.00012 kg, and, for a fabric without a water repellent, was 0.01 kg. Thus, there is reason to assert the possibility of targeted adjustment of the processes related to water penetration of the fabric by using hydrophobic coatings that could form a protective layer on the surface of the material, which inhibits the rate of water penetration.