High moisture regain yarn, fabrics, and garments having superior arc protection
View Patent ↗This invention relates to a yarn having high moisture regain for use in arc and flame protection and fabrics and garments containing the yarn. The yarn has a blend of fibers which includes 10 to 40 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, 20 to 60 weight percent modacrylic fiber, 15 to 45 weight percent FR rayon fiber, and (d) 5 to 20 weight percent para-aramid fiber; based on the total weight of these components. If desired, 1 to 3 weight percent of the para-aramid fiber in the yarn can be replaced with an antistatic fiber as long as at least 5 weight percent para-aramid fiber is present.
1. A fabric suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising a yarn consisting of:
(a) 10 to 40 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%;
(b) 20 to 60 weight percent modacrylic fiber;
(c) 15 to 45 weight percent FR rayon fiber; and
(d) 5 to 20 weight percent para-aramid fiber;
based on the total weight of components (a), (b), (c), and (d);
the fabric having a basis weight in the range of 135 to 237 grams per square meter (4 to 7 ounces per square yard) and an arc resistance according to ASTM F-1959-99 of 1.5 calories per square centimeter per ounce per square yard of fabric or greater.
2. A fabric suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising a yarn consisting of:
(a) 10 to 40 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%;
(b) 20 to 60 weight percent modacrylic fiber;
(c) 15 to 45 weight percent FR rayon fiber; and
(d) 5 to 19 weight percent para-aramid fiber and 1 to 3 weight percent antistatic fiber comprising carbon or metal;
based on the total weight of components (a), (b), (c), and (d);
the fabric having a basis weight in the range of 135 to 237 grams per square meter (4 to 7 ounces per square yard) and an arc resistance according to ASTM F-1959-99 of 1.5 calories per square centimeter per ounce per square yard of fabric or greater.
3. The fabric of claim 1 or 2 having a moisture regain of at least 3 percent.
4. The fabric of claim 1 or 2 having a char length according to ASTM D-6413-99 of less than 6 inches.
5. The fabric of claim 1 or 2 wherein the meta-aramid fiber has a degree of crystallinity in a range from 20 to 50%.
6. A garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising a fabric consisting of:
(a) 10 to 40 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%;
(b) 20 to 60 weight percent modacrylic fiber;
(c) 15 to 45 weight percent FR rayon fiber; and
(d) 5 to 20 weight percent para-aramid fiber;
based on the total weight of components (a), (b), (c), and (d);
the fabric having a basis weight in the range of 150 to 237 grams per square meter (4.5 to 7 ounces per square yard) and an arc resistance according to ASTM F-1959-99 of 1.5 calories per square centimeter per ounce per square yard of fabric or greater.
7. A garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising a fabric consisting of:
(a) 10 to 40 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%;
(b) 20 to 60 weight percent modacrylic fiber;
(c) 15 to 45 weight percent FR rayon fiber; and
(d) ii) 5 to 19 weight percent para-aramid fiber and 1 to 3 weight percent antistatic fiber comprising carbon or metal;
based on the total weight of components (a), (b), (c), and (d);
the fabric having a basis weight in the range of 150 to 237 grams per square meter (4.5 to 7 ounces per square yard) and an arc resistance according to ASTM F-1959-99 of 1.5 calories per square centimeter per ounce per square yard of fabric or greater.
8. The garment of claim 6 or 7 providing thermal protection equivalent to less than a 70% body burn at a 4 sec flame exposure per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating per ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E.
9. The garment of claim 6 or 7 having a moisture regain of at least 3 percent.