Textile flammability testing: Appropriate levels for moisture content of specimens

Abstract

AbstractThis study was performed to establish the appropriate moisture level for textile flammability test specimens. Three investigations were carried out: into the effect of the level of humidity in dwellings; into the moisture content of garments worn at various distances from the body; and into the effect of relatively short exposures to heat on the moisture content of fabrics (simulating the case of a person standing in front of an open fire or space heater). The moisture content of ambient air in dwellings was found to be primarily governed by the moisture content of the air outside and can be quite low, ten to twenty percent, especially in winter (unless, of course, humidifying equipment is used). The moisture content of garment parts which are at some distance from the body (e.g., the loosely fitting parts of skirts) is governed by the relative humidity of the room. Closely fitting parts are more likely to be exposed to ignition sources than closely fitting parts. Fabric specimens exposed at a short distance from an electric space heater had moisture contents similar to specimens which has been oven‐dried and cooled in a desiccator. The results of these studies indicate that oven‐drying is a reasonable conditioning requirement for testing the flammability of apparel and home furnishing fabrics.