A Canadian researcher has developed a new protective shirt geared to the needs of wildland firefighters. Offering more protection, the new prototype shirt, which is being patented, reduces the total burn area to the body by about six per cent compared with the standard shirt.
New research coming from Canada’s Alberta University could help manufacturers of high-performance fibres and protective fabrics to improve their processes and take informed decisions in the selection and design of materials for more durable gear for firefighters.
Two studies—one of them recent—have identified the PFAS compounds present in selected turnout gear textiles used by firefighters, how much of each was present, and whether simulated wear and tear increased the amount of PFAS that the textiles released.
The Lenzing Fiber Identification System would now be used for its FR cellulosic fibres, promising traceability, quality assurance, and trust in protective garments.
A $1 million funding is supporting researchers in the University of Alberta to make the science behind self-decontaminating fabrics a good fit for the production line.