Flame-Retardant and Wear Comfort Properties of Modacrylic/FR-Rayon/Anti-static PET Blend Yarns and Their Woven Fabrics for Clothing

Abstract

This study examined the flame retardant, anti-static, and wear comfort properties of woven fabrics from two types of yarns composed of modacrylic, FR-rayon, cotton, and anti-static PET fibers. The FR-rayon-blended modacrylic fabric mixed with anti-static PET fibers exhibited better flame-retardant and anti-static properties than those of the cotton-blended modacrylic fabric. In addition, the absorption and drying properties of the FR-rayon-blended modacrylic fabric were superior to those of the cotton-blended modacrylic fabric. The thermal conductivity of the FR-rayon-blended fabric was lower than that of the cotton-blended one, whereas the water vapor permeability was slightly higher than that of the cotton-blended one. These wear comfort properties of the FR-rayon-blended fabric were attributed to the micro-pores and longer fiber length of the FR-rayon fibers, as well as their yarn and fabric structural parameters. This study suggests that FR-rayon-blended modacrylic fabric has better flame-retardant and anti-static properties in both twill and rip weaves with good warmth keepability, and higher water and vapor transmission properties than cotton-blended one. In addition, the FR-rayon-blended modacrylic clothing exhibited a better wear comfort feel than the cotton-blended one due to the lower microclimate humidity. This means that FR-rayon-blended modacrylic fabric makes it more comfortable to wear than cotton-blended one.