Abstract
the change of physical properties (thickness, weight, air permeability) and mechanical properties(abrasion resistance breaking load and displacement) of samples were determined after heat exposure by a RPP tester. The effect of exposure time and heat flux intensity on the changes and the relationship between physical properties and mechanical properties were investigated. FR treated cotton Kevlar/PBI and Nomex with different structureal characteristics were chosen for specimens. The changes of physical properties and mechanical properties were calculated based on their initial values before heat exposure. The longer exposure time and the high heat flux intensity the more changes of those properties. Heat flux intensity was more effective on the changes, The showed to be affected by an interplay of shrinkage and pyrolysis products loss. The changes of thickness and abrasion resistance showed to be higher for plain weave fabric and those of air permeabiliyt and breaking load and displacement for twill weave fabric. While FR treated cotton which have high RPP value experienced serious and detrimental changes after heat exposure Kevlar/PBI which has low RPP value showed no high changes. In conclusion it could be confirmed that when total performance of a protective clothing is estimated retention capability of physical and mechanical properties after heat exposure as well as RPP value must be considered.