Evaluation of the performance properties of modacrylic-cotton blended underwear fabrics manufactured for firefighters

Abstract

In this study, the mechanical, comfort and flame-retardant properties of different knitted fabric structures containing modacrylic fibers with different blend ratios were investigated. Single jersey, rib, pique, three-thread fleece and interlock fabrics were produced with modacrylic/cotton blended yarns and evaluated comparatively. In order to understand the effect of antistatic fiber content on the investigated properties, two fabrics with antistatic fiber were produced. Since modacrylic fibers have moderate abrasion resistance, pilling resistances of the fabrics are not excellent. Due to the knitted fabrics having a soft and flexible structure, their fabric stiffness and bursting strength are quite high. It has been determined that water vapor resistances of all fabrics are satisfactory and the moisture management properties of the S1 (60% modacrylic, 40% cotton) and R1 (60% modacrylic, 40% cotton) fabrics are excellent. All the fabrics passed the flame-retardancy tests and it is sufficient that the modacrylic ratio is between 50% and 60% according to the fabric structure. Results also showed that 2% antistatic fiber content had no effect on the mechanical, thermal comfort and flame-retardancy properties. Since the air permeability, water vapor resistance and moisture management properties of S1 and R1 specimens are good enough, it is recommended to use one of them according to different temperature conditions. Evaluation of modacrylic fiber blended fabrics in different knitting types in terms of mechanical strength, thermal comfort and flame resistance properties together constitutes the originality of the work. Thus, it was possible to evaluate the effect of different knitting types and contents on all tests.