Development of Firefighter Development of Firefighter Uniform Prototypes Using Uniform Prototypes Using

Innovative NonwovensInnovative Nonwovens

Mary M. WarnockMary M. Warnock

andand

Laurie M. AppleLaurie M. Apple

Firefighter Uniforms Must:Firefighter Uniforms Must:

• Be functional• Allow tasks to be performed

– Fire

– Chemical/biological agents• Protect against toxic substance

exposure• Allow quick and efficient movements

Ergonomic Test ProtocolErgonomic Test Protocol• Assessed

– Functional characteristics

– Fit

– Comfort

• Divisions– Anthropometric

– Range of motion– Generic

dynamics

– Job-specific dynamics

– Manual tasks– Donning

Experimental FabricsExperimental Fabrics• 100% cotton needlepunched nonwoven

with carbon filler• 100% cotton print cloth treated with

epoxy bis-phosphonate monomer, cyanoguanidine and citric acid

• Twaron woven fabric with ripstop weave

• Nomex III A moisture barrier• Silicone rubber sheeting

Construction ParametersConstruction Parameters• Flat-pattern methodology• Juki industrial sewing machine

– 12 stitches/inch

• Cotton wrapped polyester thread• Machine quilting

– Needlepunched nonwoven and print cloth

– For thermal barrier

Jacket 1Jacket 1

Current Jacket Design

Front

Back

Jacket 2Jacket 2

Current Jacket Design

Front

Back

Needlepunched Carbon Needlepunched Carbon Filled Nonwoven FabricFilled Nonwoven Fabric

Plain

Quilted

Cross-Section SampleCross-Section Sample

Sleeve PrototypeSleeve Prototype

Sleeve

Jacket/Sleeve Insertion

ConclusionsConclusions• Lightweight, body-hugging protective

clothing can be constructed giving maximum protection to the wearer.

• Closure issue addressed for ease of donning and doffing the uniform.

• Better mobility due to breathing apparatus being located in an enclosed back pouch.

• Radio easily accessed on the jacket sleeve.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

• Dr. William (Bill) Springer, Industrial Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

• W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

• Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

• Dr. Navzer Sachinvala, SSRC-USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA

Thank You!!Thank You!!