Fire retardant and heat resistant yarns and fabrics treated for increased strength and liquid shedding

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention is in the field of fire retardant and heat resistant yarns and fabrics. More particularly, the present invention is in the field of fire retardant and heat resistant yarns comprised of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and encapsulated with a liquid-shedding and strengthening polymer, as well as fabrics and articles of manufacture made therewith.

2. The Relevant Technology

[0002] Fire retardant clothing is widely used to protect persons who are exposed to fire, particularly suddenly occurring and fast burning conflagrations. These include persons in diverse fields, such as race car drivers, military personnel, and fire fighters, each of which may be exposed to deadly fires and extremely dangerous incendiary conditions. For such persons, the primary line of defense against severe burns and even death is the protective clothing worn over some or all of the body.

[0003] Even though fire retardant clothing presently exists, such clothing is not always adequate to reliably offset the risk of severe burns, or even death. This is particularly true in the case where a person is not only exposed to flame or high heat but splashed with a flammable hydrocarbon liquid (e.g., gasoline). This could occur, for example, in the case of a vehicle crash or by deliberate sabotage (e.g., a Molotov cocktail or other incendiary device hurled at a policeman or military personnel).

[0004] A wide variety of different fibers and fibrous blends have been used in the manufacture of fire and heat resistant fabrics. Fire retardance, heat resistance, strength and abrasion resistance all play an important role in the selection of materials used to make such fabrics. However, it is difficult to satisfy all of the foregoing desired properties. There is often a compromise between fire retardance and heat resistance, on the one hand, and strength and abrasion resistance, on the other.

[0005] Conventional fire retardant fabrics on the market typically rate very high in one, or perhaps two, of the foregoing desired properties. One example is a proprietary fabric m-aramid fabric sold by DuPont (NOMEX), which rates high in strength and abrasion resistance at room temperature but only provides protection against high temperatures and flame for a relatively short period of time. When exposed to direct flame, the leading m-aramid "fire retardant" fabric begins to shrink and char in as little as 3 seconds, and the degradation of the fabric increases as the duration of exposure increases. Ironically, it is the tendency of m-aramid fabrics to char and shrink that is purported to protect the wearer's skin from heat and flame. M-aramid fabrics may protect the wearer from burns for several seconds, but becomes essentially worthless as a protective shield after it has begun to char, shrink and decompose. Once this occurs, large holes can open up through which flame and heat can pass, thus burning, or even charring, the naked skin of the person wearing the fabric. Fabrics based on p-aramid are also strong and resist abrasion at room temperature but also char and shrink when exposed to flame or high temperature.

[0006] Flammable fabrics such as cotton, polyester, rayon, and nylon have been treated with a fire retardant finish to enhance fire retardance. While this may temporarily increase the flame retardant properties of such fabrics, typical fire retardant finishes are not permanent. Exposure of the treated fabric to UV radiation (e.g., sun light) as well as routine laundering of the fabric can greatly reduce the fire retardant properties of the fabric. The user may then have a false sense of security, thus unknowingly exposing himself to increased risk of burns. There may be no objective way to determine, short of being caught in a fiery conflagration, whether a treated garment still possesses sufficient fire retardance to offset the risks to which the wearer may be exposed.

[0007] More recently, a range of highly fire retardant and heat resistant yarns and fabrics comprised of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers blended with one or more strengthening fibers were developed. Yarns and fabrics made exclusively from oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers lack adequate strength for use in many applications. Blending oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers with one or more types of strengthening fibers yields yarns and fabrics having increased strength and flexibility. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,287,686 and 6,358,608 to Huang et al. disclose a range of yarns and fabrics that preferably include about 85.5-99.9% by weight oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and about 0.1-14.5% by weight of one or more strengthening fibers. U.S. Patent No. 4,865,906 to Smith, Jr. includes about 25-85% oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers combined with at least two types of strengthening fibers.

[0008] Highly flame retardant and heat resistant fabrics made according to the Huang et al. patents are sold under the name CARBONX by Chapman Thermal Products, Inc., located in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Such fabrics are able to resist burning or charring even when exposed to a direct flame. Fabrics made according to the Huang et al. and Smith, Jr. patents are not only superior to NOMEX as far as providing fire retardance and heat resistance, they are softer, have higher breathability, and are better at absorbing sweat and moisture. CARBONX feels much like an ordinary fabric made from natural or natural feeling synthetic fibers. M-aramid fabric, in contrast, feels more like wearing a plastic sheet than a fabric since it does not breathe well, nor does it wick sweat and moisture but sheds it readily. Unfortunately, the aspect of CARBONX that makes it feel most like an ordinary fabric-its ability to absorb sweat, moisture and liquid-does not aid in shedding a flammable liquid.

[0009] Some applications may require a level of tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and durability not provided by conventional fire retardant fabrics. One way to improve such features is to incorporate a metallic filament, such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,800,367 to Hanyon et al. Including a metal filament also increases the cut resistance of the fabric but may increase the ability of a fabric to transfer heat, and it does not appreciably increase the ability of the fabric to shed flammable liquids.

[0010] Accordingly, it would be an advancement in the art to provide fire retardant and heat resistant ys that were able to maintain a high level of fire retardance and heat resistance while having improved tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability, and liquid shedding capabilities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention encompasses novel yarns and fabrics that include a high concentration of oxidized polyacrylonitrile (O-Pan) fibers, which maintain a high level of fire retardance and heat resistance, while also possessing improved tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability, and the ability to shed liquids and gels. The inventive yarns include O-Pan fibers, typically combined with one or more strengthening fibers, and are encapsulated by a liquid-resistant and strengthening coating, such as a silicone polymer. Encapsulating the fire retardant and heat resistant yarn with a silicone polymer increases the tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability, and liquid and gel shedding capability of the yarn, as well as fabrics and articles made from such yarn. Encapsulating the yarn, rather than coating the whole fabric, not only seals the individual yarn strands in superior fashion, it also maintains breathability of the fabric as a whole rather than forming an impermeable barrier. This greatly improves performance and comfort when worn against a person's body.

[0012] The present invention combines the tremendous fire retardant and heat resistant characteristics of yarns made from O-Pan fibers with the strengthening and liquid and gel shedding properties imparted by a liquid resistant polymer coating. Simply encapsulating the yarn of a conventional flammable fabric with a silicone polymer coating cannot yield a fabric having a flame retardance and heat resistance that is even remotely similar to the level provided by O-Pan based fabrics. Moreover, encapsulating aramid-based materials with a liquid-resistant and strengthening silicone polymer coating does not alter the inherent tendency of fabrics formed from such materials to char, shrink, and form holes when exposed to direct flame and/or heated to above 600°F. Only by combining the tremendous fire retardant and heat resistant properties of O-Pan based fabrics with the strengthening aspects and liquid and gel shedding capabilities offered by liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer encapsulation can true synergy be obtained (i.e., the ability to provide the highest level of fire retardance and heat resistance to a fabric, while also providing enhanced tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability, and liquid and gel shedding capabilities, all of which synergistically contribute to the ability of the fabric to protect a wearer from fire and heat).

[0013] The failure to provide all of these features in a single fabric can greatly undermine the otherwise excellent protection from fire. For example, even though conventional CARBONX fabrics provide superior protection against fire, heat and burns compared to other leading fire resistant fabrics such as the leading aramid "fire retardant" fabrics, such protection can be compromised if the fabric lacks sufficient tensile strength, abrasion resistance and durability for a given application. The fabric will typically only protect the wearer to the extent the fabric is able to maintain its structural integrity when protection is needed most, i.e., a fabric designed to protect the skin advantageously remains positioned between the wearer's body and the heat source to provide maximum protection. An inadvertent hole or tear can provide a conduit through which heat and flame can breach the otherwise continuous protective shield. Because of the generally weaker nature of O-Pan based fabrics compared to conventional fabrics, encapsulating the yarn comprising O-Pan based fabrics with a strengthening polymer provides a much greater incremental benefit with regard to tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and durability compared to conventional fabrics which are stronger to begin with. Encapsulation of the O-Pan based yarn with a liquid-shedding polymer also greatly increases the ability of the O-Pan based fabric to shed liquids and gels, including flammable liquids and gels.

[0014] Thus, encapsulating the yarn of O-Pan based fabrics with a liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer reduces the tendency of such fabrics to form holes or tears while protecting the wearer from flame and heat, and it helps such fabrics to shed liquids and gels, including flammable liquids and gels that can engulf the wearer in flames if absorbed into the fabric. Encapsulation of the O-Pan based yarn with a liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coating greatly increases the range of situations where O-Pan based fabrics can provide superior protection from heat and flame as intended, even though the liquid-shedding and strengthening polymer may not itself provide any significant incremental heat or flame resistance beyond that which is already provided by the O-Pan based fabric. The high level of heat and flame resistance is provided mainly or exclusively by the O-Pan based fabric. The encapsulation of the O-Pan yarn comprising the fabric with a liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coating mainly provides the auxiliary benefits of increased tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability, and liquid and gel shedding capability (e.g., flammable liquids and gels). Nevertheless, the overall protection to the wearer against flame and heat is greatly enhanced by the auxiliary benefits imparted by encapsulating the yarn with a liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coating, demonstrating the synergistic effect of combining O-Pan based fabrics with polymer encapsulation of the yarn comprising the fabric.

[0015] Additional strength and abrasion resistance can be provided by blending one or more types of strengthening fibers with the O-Pan fibers used to make the yarn. Strengthening fibers do not possess the level of fire retardance and heat resistance as O-Pan fibers but can be used to strengthened the yarn while maintaining an adequate level of fire retardance and heat resistance in the yarn. Exemplary "strengthening fibers" include, but are not limited to, polybenzimidazole (PBI), polybenzoxazole (PBO), polyphenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO), modacrilic, p-aramid, m-aramid, polyvinyl halides, wool, fire resistant polyesters, fire resistant nylons, fire resistant rayons, cotton, and melamine. The oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and the strengthening fibers are each first preferably carded into respective strands or carded together to form a blended strand. Multiple strands may then be intertwined together to form a yarn. Alternatively, the yarn may include strengthening filements made from the same materials as the foregoing strengthening fibers. Even ceramic or metal filaments may be included, though they may be unnecessary in view of the greatly increased tensile strength, abrasion resistance and durability imparted by encapsulating the yarn with the liquid-shedding polymer.

[0016] Exemplary liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coatings include a wide variety of curable silicone-based polymers and polysiloxanes. Such polymers are typically encapsulated over the individual yarn strands of a tensioned fabric that is drawn through a bath of shear thinned polymer resin. Thereafter, the polymer resin is cured to form the final encapsulated yarn. The process advantageously only encapsulates the yarn strands but leaves spaces between the yarn strands that are woven or knitted together so as to permit the treated fabric to breathe. In this way, the treated fabric still feels and behaves more like an ordinary fabric rather than a laminate sheet or plugged fabric.

[0017] In general, the yarn is typically encapsulated with the liquid-resistant and strengthening coating after being woven or knitted into a fabric. Nevertheless, it is within the scope of the invention to encapsulate the yarn before forming it into a fabric. Individual yarn strands can be encapsulated by drawing them through a bath of shear thinned polymer composition and then curing the polymer. The treated yarn strands may then be knitted, woven or otherwise joined together to form a desired fabric.

[0018] Examples of articles of manufacture made using the liquid-resistant polymer treated O-Pan yarns and fabrics include clothing, jump suits, gloves, socks, welding bibs, fire blankets, padding, protective head gear, linings, undergarments, bedding, drapes, and the like.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the yarn or fabric may be pre-treated with a fluorochemical prior to encapsulation with the shear thinned polymer coating. Pretreatment with a fluorochemical may assist in helping the polymer encapsulated yarn or fabric repel or shed liquids and gels, such as water and hydrocarbons. The fluorochemical may advantageously be applied as a suspension or solution in combination with a solvent that is driven off by evaporation. Thereafter, the silicone polymer is applied to the yarn or fabric in order to encapsulate the yarn strands. The fluorochemical is at least partially impregnated into the yarn.

[0020] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS.

[0021] The present invention encompasses fire retardant and heat resistant yarns and fabrics in which the yarn is encapsulated by a liquid-resistant and strengthening coating to yield fabrics and articles that provide better tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability, and the ability to shed liquids and gels compared to fabrics in the absence of such yarn encapsulation. Encapsulating the individual yarn strands, rather than coating and plugging the whole fabric, not only seals the individual yarn strands in superior fashion, it also maintains breathability of the fabric.

[0022] By combining the tremendous fire retardant and heat resistant properties of O-Pan based fabrics with the strengthening and liquid-shedding aspects offered by encapsulation a synergistic combination is obtained (i.e., the high level of fire retardance and heat resistance of the fabric, coupled with enhanced tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability, and liquid-shedding capabilities of the encapsulation, synergistically contribute to the ability of the fabric to protect a wearer from fire and heat). The failure to provide all of these features in a single fabric can greatly undermine the otherwise excellent protection from fire, i.e., the fabric will typically only protect the wearer to the extent the fabric is able to maintain its structural integrity when protection is needed most.

[0023] Because of the generally weaker nature of O-Pan based fabrics compared to conventional fabrics, encapsulating the yarn comprising O-Pan based fabrics provides a much greater incremental benefit with regard to tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and durability compared to conventional fabrics which are stronger to begin with. Encapsulation of the O-Pan based yarn also greatly increases the ability of the O-Pan based fabric to shed liquids and gels, including flammable liquids and gels.

[0024] The term "Limiting Oxygen Index" (or "LOI") is defined as the minimum concentration of oxygen necessary to support combustion of a material. The LOI is primarily a measurement of flame retardancy rather than temperature resistance. Temperature resistance is typically measured as the "continuous operating temperature".

[0025] The term "continuous operating temperature" measures the maximum temperature, or temperature range, at which a particular fabric will maintain its strength and integrity over time when exposed to constant heat of a given temperature or range. For instance, a fabric that has a continuous operating temperature of 400°F can be exposed to temperatures of up to 400°F for prolonged periods of time without significant degradation of fiber strength, fabric integrity, and protection of the user. In some cases, a fabric having a continuous operating temperature of 400°F may be exposed to brief periods of heat at higher temperatures without significant degradation. The presently accepted standard for continuous operating temperature in the auto racing industry rates fabrics as being "flame retardant" if they have a continuous operating temperature of between 375°F to 600°F.

[0026] The term "fire retardant" refers to a fabric, felt, yarn or strand that is self extinguishing. The term "nonflammable" refers to a fabric, felt, yarn or strand that will not burn.

[0027] The term "Thermal Protective Performance" (or "TPP") relates to a fabric's ability to provide continuous and reliable protection to a person's skin beneath a fabric when the fabric is exposed to a direct flame or radiant heat. The TPP measurement, which is derived from a complex mathematical formula, is often converted into an SFI rating, which is an approximation of the time it takes before a standard quantity of heat causes a second degree burn to occur.

[0028] The term "SFI Rating" is a measurement of the length of time it takes for someone wearing a specific fabric to suffer a second degree burn when the fabric is exposed to a standard temperature. The SFI Rating is printed on a driver's suit. The SFI Rating is not only dependent on the number of fabric layers in the garment, but also on the LOI, continuous operating temperature and TPP of the fabric or fabrics from which a garment is manufactured. The standard SFI Ratings are as follows:

SFI Rating	Time to Second Degree Burn
3.2A/1	3 Seconds
3.2A/3	7 Seconds
3.2A/5	10 Seconds
3.2A/10	19 Seconds
3.2A/15	30 Seconds
3.2A/20	40 Seconds

[0029] A secondary test for flame retardance is the after-flame test, which measures the length of time it takes for a flame retardant fabric to self extinguish after a direct flame that envelopes the fabric is removed. The term "after-flame time" is the measurement of the time it takes for a fabric to self extinguish. According to SFI standards, a fabric must self extinguish in 2.0 seconds or less in order to pass and be certifiably "flame retardant".

[0030] The term "tensile strength" refers to the maximum amount of stress that can be applied to a material before rupture or failure. The "tear strength" is the amount of force required to tear a fabric. In general, the tensile strength of a fabric relates to how easily the fabric will tear or rip. The tensile strength may also relate to the ability of the fabric to avoid becoming permanently stretched or deformed. The tensile and tear strengths of a fabric should be high enough so as to prevent ripping, tearing, or permanent deformation of the garment in a manner that would significantly compromise the intended level of thermal protection of the garment.

[0031] The term "abrasion resistance" refers to the tendency of a fabric to resist fraying and thinning during normal wear. Although related to tensile strength, abrasion resistance also relates to other measurements of yarn strength, such as shear strength and modulus of elasticity, as well as the tightness and type of the weave or knit.

[0032] The terms "fiber" and "fibers" refers to any slender, elongated structure that can be carded or otherwise formed into a thread. Fibers typically have a length of about 2 mm to about 25 mm and an aspect ratio of at least about 100:1. Examples include "staple fibers", a term that is well-known in the textile art. The term "fiber" differs from the term "filament", which is defined separately below and which comprises a different component of the inventive yarns.

[0033] The term "thread", as used in the specification and appended claims, shall refer to continuous or discontinuous elongated strands formed by carding or otherwise joining together one or more different kinds of fibers.

[0034] The term "filament" shall refer to a thread of indefinite length, whether comprising multiple fibers or a monofilament.

[0035] The term "yarn" shall refer to a continuous strand comprises of a multiplicity of fibers, filaments, or the like in bundled form, such as may be suitable for knitting, weaving or otherwise used to form a fabric.

[0036] The term "fabric" shall refer to an article of manufacture formed by knitting, weaving or otherwise joining a plurality of yarn strands together to form a multidimensional structure used to manufacture a wide variety of useful articles.

[0037] The terms "encapsulate" and "outer shell" shall refer to the positioning or placement of a liquid-shedding polymer material around an inner core comprising a yarn strand, before or after the yarn is formed into a fabric. The terms "encapsulate" and "outer shell" refer to the fact that at least some of the liquid-shedding polymer material is located on an outer perimeter of the yarn strand(s). They do not mean that some of the liquid-shedding polymer material that "encapsulates" the inner yarn core cannot also be located in interstitial spaces or pores within the inner yarn core.

[0038] The term "inner core" shall refer to the fire retardant and heat resistant yarn that is encapsulated by the liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer shellcomprising the "outer shell".

II. FIRE RETARDANT AND HEAT RESISTANT YARNS AND FABRICS.

[0039] Fire retardant and heat resistant yarns according to the invention typically comprise at least one type of fire retardant and heat resistant fibers and/or filaments, preferably combined or blended with at least one type of strengthening fibers and/or filaments. Fire retardant and heat resistant fibers can be carded into a thread, either alone or in combination with one or more types of strengthening fibers. Multiple threads can be twisted or braided together to form a yarn strand. One or more fire retardant and heat resistant threads comprising mainly or solely fire retardant and heat resistant fibers or filament(s) can be twisted or braided together with one or more strengthening strands comprising mainly or solely strengthening fibers and/or filament(s). Because a yarn strand typically consists of multiple strands twisted or braded together, it will typically include a substantial amount of interstitial space between the individual strands, at least before being encapsulated by the liquid-shedding polymer.

[0040] Fabrics comprising the fire retardant and heat resistant yarns can be formed by knitting, weaving or otherwise combining multiple strands of yarn together. Any known method of forming a fabric from a yarn can be utilized to form the inventive fire retardant and heat resistant fabrics. Exemplary fire retardant and heat resistant yarns, fabrics and articles that can be improved according to the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,287,686, 6,358,608, 6,800,367 and 4,865,906.

A. Fire Retardant and Heat Resistant Fibers and Filaments

[0041] Exemplary fire retardant and heat resistant fibers and filaments are made from oxidized polyacrylonitrile (O-Pan). The O-Pan fibers or filaments within the scope of the invention may comprise any type of O-Pan having high fire retardance and heat resistance. In a preferred embodiment, O-Pan is obtained by heating polyacrylonitrile (e.g., polyacrylonitrile fibers or filaments) in a cooking process between about 180°C to about 3000°C for at least about 120 minutes. This heating/oxidation process is where the polyacrylonitrile receives its initial carbonization. Preferred O-Pan fibers and filaments have an LOI of about 50-65. In most cases, O-Pan made in this way may be considered to be nonflammable.

[0042] Examples of suitable O-Pan fibers include LASTAN, manufactured by Ashia Chemical in Japan; PYROMEX, manufactured by Toho Rayon in Japan; PANOX, manufactured by SGL; and PYRON, manufactured by Zoltek. It is also within the scope of the invention to utilize filaments that comprise O-Pan.

[0043] In general, it is believed that fabrics which include a substantial amount of O-Pan fibers and/or filaments will resist burning, even when exposed to intense heat or flame exceeding 3000°F., because the O-Pan fibers carbonize and expand, thereby eliminating any oxygen content within the fabric necessary for combustion of the more readily combustible strengthening fibers. In this way, the O-Pan fibers or filaments provide a combustion shield that makes the less fire retardant substances in the yarn or fabric act like better fire retardant substances.

[0044] One of skill in the art will appreciate that other fire retardant and heat resistant materials can be used in addition to, or in place of, O-Pan so long as they have fire retardant and heat resistance properties that are comparable to those of O-Pan. By way of example, polymers or other materials having an LOI of at least about 50 and which do not burn when exposed to heat or flame having a temperature of about 3000°F could be used in addition to, or instead of, O-Pan.

[0045] The fire retardant and heat resistant yarn comprising the inner core of the overall liquid and gel shedding yarn, fabric or article may consist solely of O-Pan fibers or filaments. When the O-Pan is blended with one or more strengthening fibers or filaments, O-Pan is preferably included in an amount in a range of about 25% to about 99.9% by weight of the inner core, more preferably in a range of about 40% to about 95% by weight, and most preferably in a range of about 50% to about 90% by weight of the inner core.

B. Strengthening Fibers and Filaments

[0046] Strengthening fibers and filaments that may be incorporated into fire retardant and heat resistant yarns, fabrics and articles of the present invention may comprise any fiber or filament known in the art. In general, preferred strengthening fibers will be those that have a relatively high LOI and TPP compared to natural organic fibers such as cotton, although the use of such fibers is within the scope of the invention. The strengthening fibers preferably have an LOI greater than about 20.

[0047] Strengthening fibers may be carded or otherwise formed into threads, either alone or in combination with other fibers (e.g., O-Pan fibers). Strengthening threads or filaments may be twisted, braided or otherwise combined with fire retardant and heat resistant strands to form a blended yarn.

[0048] Strengthening fibers and filaments within the scope of the invention include, but are not limited to, polybenzimidazole (PBI), polybenzoxazole (PBO), polyphenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO), modacrilic, p-aramid, m-aramid, polyvinyl halides, wool, fire resistant polyesters, fire resistant nylons, fire resistant rayons, cotton, linen, and melamine. By way of comparison with O-Pan, which has an LOI of about 50-65, the LOI's of selected strengthening fibers are as follows:

PBO	68
PBI	35-36
modacrylic	28-32
m-Aramid	28-36
p-Aramid	27-36
wool	23
polyester	22-23
nylon	22-23
rayon	16-17
cotton	16-17

[0049] Examples of suitable p-aramids include KEVLAR, manufactured by DuPont; TWARON, manufactured by Twaron Products BB; and TECKNORA, manufactured by Teijin. Examples of suitable m-aramids include NOMEX, manufactured by DuPont; CONEX, manufactured by Teijin; and P84, an m-aramid yarn with a multi-lobal cross-section made by a patented spinning method, manufactured by Inspec Fiber. For this reason P84 has better fire retardant properties compared to NOMEX.

[0050] An example of a PBO is ZYLON, manufactured by Toyobo. An example of a PBI fiber is CELAZOLE of PBI Performance Products, Inc. An example of a melamine fiber is BASOFIL. An example of a fire retardant or treated cotton is PROBAN, manufactured by Westex. Another is FIREWEAR.

[0051] Strengthening fibers and filaments may be incorporated in the yarns of the present invention in at least the following ways: (1) as one or more strengthening filaments twisted, wrapped, braided or otherwise joined together with threads or filaments comprising oxidized polyacrylonitrile; or (2) as fibers blended with O-Pan fibers into one or more threads.

[0052] In short, strengthening fibers may be added to the inventive yarns in the form of strengthening threads comprising one or more different types of strengthening fibers, a blended thread comprising O-Pan fibers and one or more different types of strengthening fibers, or as a strengthening filament. When O-Pan is blended with one or more strengthening fibers or filaments, the strengthening fibers or filaments are preferably included in an amount in a range of about 0.1% to about 75% by weight of the inner core, more preferably in a range of about 5% to about 60% by weight, and most preferably in a range of about 10% to about 50% by weight of the inner core.

C. Metallic and Ceramic Filaments

[0053] Yarns according to the invention may include one or more types of metallic or ceramic filaments in order to increase cut resistance, tensile strength and abrasion resistance. Metallic filaments typically have the highest combination of tensile strength and cut resistance but also conduct heat more rapidly. Examples of metals used to form high strength filaments include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, other steel alloys, titanium, aluminum, copper, and the like.

[0054] Examples of high strength ceramic filaments include silicon carbide, graphite, silica, aluminum oxide, other metal oxides, and the like. Examples of high strength and heat resistant ceramic filaments are set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,569,629 and 5,585,312 to TenEyck et al., which disclose ceramic filaments that include 62-85% by weight SiO₂, 5-20% by weight Al₂O₃, 5-15% by weight MgO, 0.5-5% by weight TiO_x, and 0-5% ZrO₂. High strength and flexible ceramic filaments based on a blend of one or oxides of Al, Zr, Ti, Si, Fe, Co, Ca, Nb, Pb, Mg, Sr, Cu, Bi and Mn are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,605,870 to Strom-Olsen et al. Fiberglass filaments can also be used.

[0055] Strengthening filaments preferably have a diameter in a range of about 0.0001" to about 0.01", more preferably in a range of about 0.0005" to about 0.008", and most preferably in a range of about 0.001" to about 0.006". Yarns containing a high concentration of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers that are generally too weak to be used in the manufacture of fire retardant and heat resistant fabrics can be greatly strengthened with even small percentages of one or more metallic filaments, and fabrics manufactured therefrom have been found to be surprisingly strong.

[0056] In general, where it is desired to maximize the strength of the material, it will be preferable to maximize the volume of strengthening filaments that are added to the yarn. However, it will be appreciated that as the amount of strengthening filaments increases in the yarn, the heat resistance generally declines. As a practical matter, the fire retardant and heat resistant requirements of the resulting yarn, fabric or other fibrous blend will determine the maximum amount of strengthening filaments that can be added to the yarn.

III. LIQUID-SHEDDING AND STRENGTHENED FIRE RETARDANT AND HEAT RESISTANT YARNS AND FABRICS.

[0057] The fire retardant and heat resistant yarns and fabrics discussed above can be treated according to the invention by encapsulating the yarn with a liquid-shedding and strengthening polymer coating material. The liquid-shedding and strengthening polymer coating yields yarns, fabrics and articles that are much better at shedding liquids and gels, such as flammable liquids and gels. In this way, thermal protection to the wearer is further increased when used to protect a wearer exposed to flammable liquids or gels. In addition, polymer encapsulation significantly increases the tensile strength, abrasion resistance and durability of the first retardant and heat resistant yarns, fabrics and articles of the invention. Increasing the tensile strength, abrasion resistance and durability of a fabric or article also increases the thermal protection of the wearer by reducing the formation of holes or rips through the fabric and increasing the continuity of protection.

[0058] Exemplary liquid-shedding and strengthening polymer materials, optional compositions applied to yarns in addition to the liquid-shedding and strengthening polymer materials, as well as methods for encapsulating yarns with the liquid-shedding and strengthening polymer materials, are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,666,765, 5,004,643, 5,209,965, 5,418,051, 5,856,245, 5,869,172, 5,935,637, 6,040,251, 6,071,602, 6,083,602, 6,129,978, 6,289,841, 6,312,523, 6,342,280, and 6,416,613.

[0059] Exemplary liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coatings include a wide variety of curable silicone-based polymers and polysiloxanes. Such polymers are typically applied as an uncured or partially cured polymer resin and then cured (i.e., cross-linked and/or further polymerized) after encapsulating the yarn being treated. The polymer resins before application typically have a viscosity in a range of about 1000 cps to about 2,000,000 cps at a shear rate of 1/10s and a temperature of 25°C. The polymer resins preferably have a viscosity in a range of about 5000 cps to about 10,000 cps at a shear rate of 1/10s and a temperature of 25°C. In a most preferred embodiment, such polymer resins preferably contain less than about 1% by weight of volatile material. When cured, the encapsulating polymers are preferably elastomeric in order to yield a generally flexible yarn, fabric or article.

[0060] A preferred class of liquid curable silicone polymer compositions comprises a curable mixture of the following components: (1) at least one organo-hydrosilane polymer or copolymer; (2) at least one vinyl substituted polysiloxane polymer or copolymer; (3) a platinum or platinum containing catalyst; and (4) optionally fillers and additives.

[0061] Typical silicone hydrides (component 1) are polymethylhydrosiloxanes which are dimethyl siloxane copolymers. Typical vinyl terminated siloxanes are vinyl-dimethyl terminated or vinyl substituted polydimethyl siloxanes. Typical catalyst systems include solutions or complexes of chloroplatinic acid in alcohols, ethers, divinylsiloxanes, and cyclic vinyl siloxanes.

[0062] Particulate fillers can be included to extend and reinforce the cured polymer composition and also improve the thixotropic behavior of the uncured polymer resins.

[0063] Exemplary silicone polymer resins that may be used to encapsulate fire retardant and heat resistant yarns according to the invention include, but are not limited to, SILOPREN LSR 2530 and SILOPREN LSR 2540/01, which comprise a vinyl-terminated polydimethyl/siloxane with fumed silica and methylhydrogen siloxane, which are available from Mobay Chemical Co.; SILASTIC 595 LSR, a polysiloxane available from Dow Corning; SLE 5100, SLE 5110, SLE 5300, SLE 5500, and SLE 6108, which are polysiloxanes, and SLE 5106, a siloxane resin solution, all available from General Electric; KE 1917 and DI 1940-30, silicone polymers available from Shin-Etsu; LIQUID RUBBER BC-10, a silicone fluid with silicone dioxide filler and curing agents, available from SWS Silicones Corporation.

[0064] The foregoing silicone polymer resins are characterized as having high viscosity. In order for such polymer resins to properly encapsulate the yarn, they must typically be thinned in some manner to reduce the viscosity so as to flow around the yarn and at least partially penetrate into the interstitial spaces within the yarn. This may be accomplished in any desired manner. According to one embodiment, the polymer resins are subjected to high shearing conditions, which causes them to undergo shear thinning and/or thixotropic thinning. Any suitable mixing blade, combination of blades, or other apparatus capable of applying high shear may be introduced into the vessel containing the polymer resin in order to temporarily reduce the viscosity of the resin before or during application to the yarn or fabric.

[0065] Such polymers are typically encapsulated over the individual yarn strands of a tensioned fabric that is drawn through a bath of shear and/or thixotropically thinned polymer resin. Thereafter, the polymer resin is cured to form the final encapsulated yarn. Curing may be carried out using heat to accelerate polymerization and/or cross-linking or the polymer resin. The process advantageously only encapsulates the yarn strands but leaves spaces between the yarn strands that are woven or knitted together so as to permit the treated fabric to breathe. In this way, the treated fabric still feels and behaves more like an ordinary fabric rather than a laminate sheet or plugged fabric.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the silicone polymer resin is blended with a benzophenone (e.g., about 0.3-10 parts by weight of the silicone polymer), examples of which include 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (e.g., UVINUL 400, available from BASF), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (e.g., UVINUL M-40, available from BASF), 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (e.g., UVINUL D-50, available from BASF), 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone (e.g., UVINUL D-49, available from BASF), mixed tetra-substituted benzophenones (e.g., UVINUL 49 D, available from BASF), and 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate (e.g., UVINUL N-539, available from BASF).

[0067] The silicone polymer resin may also be blended with an accelerator (e.g., Dow Coming 7127 accelerator, a proprietary polysiloxane material) (e.g., 5-10 parts by weight of the silicone polymer resin) just before being applied to the yarn or fabric to promote curing.

[0068] The silicone polymer resin may further include various additives in order to impart desired properties to the yarn or fabric. Exemplary additives include UV absorbers, flame retardants, aluminum hydroxide, filling agents, blood repellants, flattening agents, optical reflective agents, hand altering agents, biocompatible proteins, hydrolyzed silk, and agents that affect thermal conductivity, radiation reflectivity, and/or electrical conductivity.

[0069] In general, the yarn is typically encapsulated with the liquid-resistant coating after being woven or knitted into a fabric. Nevertheless, it is within the scope of the invention to encapsulate the yarn before forming it into a fabric. One or more individual yarn strands can be encapsulated by drawing them through a bath of shear thinned polymer composition and then curing the polymer. The treated yarn strands may then be knitted, woven or otherwise joined together to form a desired fabric.

[0070] The silicone polymer coating is preferably applied to the yarn or fabric in an amount in a range of about 5% to about 200% by weight of the original yarn or fabric inner core, more preferably in an amount in a range of about 10% to about 100% by weight of the original yarn or fabric inner core.

[0071] Yarns and fabrics may also be advantageously pre-treated with a fluorochemical prior to being encapsulated by the silicone polymer resin in order to further increase the liquid and gel shedding properties of the yarn or fabric. Exemplary fluorochemical compositions include, but are not limited to, MILEASE F-14N, F-34, F-31X and F-53 sold by ICI Americas, Inc.; PHOTOTEX FC104, FC461, FC731, FC208 AND FC232 sold by Ciba/Geigy; TEFLON polymers such as TEFLON G, NPA, SKF, UP, UPH, PPR, N and MLV, sold by DuPont; ZEPEL polymers such as ZEPEL B, D, K, RN, RC, OR, HT, 6700 AND 7040, also from DuPont; SCOTCHGUARD sold by 3M.

[0072] MILEASE F-14 contains approximately 18% perfluoroacrylate copolymer, 10% ethylene glycol, 7% acetone, and 65% water. MILEASE F-31X is a dispersion of fluorinated resin, acetone and water. ZEPEL 6700 is comprised of 15-20% perfluoroalkyl acrylic copolymer, 1-2% alkoxylated carboxylic acid, 3-5% ethylene glycol, and water, and has a pH of 2-5. ZEPEL 7040 is similar to ZEPEL 6700 but further contains 7-8% acetone. SCOTCHGUARD is comprised of aqueously dispersed fluorochemicals in polymeric form.

[0073] Liquid repellant fluorochemical compositions are saturated into the fabric or yarn to completely and uniformly wet the fabric or yarn. This may be performed by dipping the fabric or yarn in a bath of liquid composition or padding the composition onto and into the fabric or yarn. After applying the fluorochemical composition to the fabric or yarn, the water (or other liquid carrier) and other volatile components of the composition are removed by conventional techniques to provide a treated fabric or yarn that is impregnated with the dried fluorochemical. In one embodiment, the saturated fabric or yarn is compressed to remove excess composition. It is then heated to remove the carrier liquid by evaporation (e.g., at a temperature of about 130-160°C for a period of time about 2-5 minutes). If the fluorochemical is curable, heating may also catalyze or trigger curing.

[0074] The fluorochemical may also contain a bonding agent in order to strengthen the bond between the fluorochemical and the yarn or fabric to which it is applied. Exemplary bonding agents include Mobay SILOPREN bonding agent type LSR Z 3042 and NORSIL 815 primer.

[0075] When included, the fluorchemical is preferably applied in an amount in a range of about 1 % to about 10% by weight of the original yarn or fabric inner core, more preferably in an amount in a range of about 2% to about 4% by weight of the original yarn or fabric inner core.

IV. EXAMPLES

[0076] The following examples are provided in order to illustrate various embodiments of the invention. Although the examples are written in present tense and are therefore hypothetical in nature, they are based on testing of a fabric comprising a 70:30 wt% blend of O-Pan and p-aramid that was coated with a proprietary silicone-based polymer coating owned by Nextec Applications Inc., based in Vista, California, USA at the request of the inventor. The examples therefore have a high degree of predictive value based on test results conducted by the inventor.

Example 1

[0077] A fire retardant and heat resistant fabric made from a yarn having a 70:30 wt% blend of O-Pan and p-aramid, respectively, is encapsulated with a liquid shedding and strengthening silicone-based polymer as follows. First, the fabric is placed under tension. Second, the tensioned fabric is drawn through a vessel containing a silicone-based polymer resin. Third, the silicone-based polymer resin is subjected to localized shear-thinning forces produced by a rapidly spinning shearing blade adjacent to a surface of the fabric in order for the shear-thinned resin to encapsulate the yarn of the fabric and at least partially penetrate into interstitial spaces of the yarn. The viscosity of the silicone-based polymer resin is sufficiently low that it does not plug the spaces between the individual yarn strands of the fabric. Fourth, the treated tensioned fabric is removed from the vessel containing the silicone-based polymer resin. Fifth, the treated fabric is heated in order to cure the silicone-based polymer resin and form the strengthening and liquid-shedding coating over the yarn.

[0078] The resulting fire retardant and heat resistant fabric comprising silicone polymer encapsulated yarn has increased tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability and liquid- and gel-shedding capability compared to the fire retardant and heat resistant fabric in the absence of the silicone polymer. The fabric is therefore better able to protect a person wearing the fabric when exposed to fire, heat and a flammable liquid or gel compared to the fire retardant and heat resistant fabric prior to being encapsulated with the silicone polymer by better shedding the flammable liquid or gel and resisting formation of holes through the fabric, thus providing greater continuity of fabric between the wearer's skin and the fire, heat and any remaining flammable liquid or gel. Because the silicone polymer only encapsulates the individual yarn strands comprising the fabric, but does not plug the holes or spaces between the yarn strands, the treated fabric remains porous and is able to breathe.

Example 2

[0079] A fire retardant and heat resistant fabric made from a yarn having a 60:20:20 wt% blend of O-Pan, p-aramid, and m-aramid, respectively, is treated in the manner discussed in Example 1. The resulting fabric is somewhat stronger and more durable than the fabric obtained in Example 1 as a result of including a blend of strengthening fibers.

Example 3

[0080] A fire retardant and heat resistant fabric made from a yarn consisting of 100% O-Pan is treated in the manner discussed in Example 1. Even though the fabric made from 100% O-Pan is relatively weak and fragile, treatment with the silicone polymer greatly increases the tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and durability so as to be acceptable for applications for which the fabric would otherwise be unacceptable absent the encapsulation treatment.

Example 4

[0081] A fire retardant and heat resistant fabric made from a yarn having a 40:20:20:20 wt% blend of O-Pan, p-aramid, fire retardant wool, and PBI, respectively, is treated in the manner discussed in Example 1. This fabric is significantly stronger to begin with compared to the fabrics of Examples 1-3 as a result of include more strengthening fibers, but is less fire retardant and heat resistant.

Example 5

[0082] A fire retardant and heat resistant fabric made from a yarn having a 60:40 wt% blend of O-Pan and m-aramid, respectively, is treated in the manner discussed in Example 1. This fabric is significantly stronger to begin with compared to the fabrics of Example 1 as a result of include more strengthening fibers, but is less fire retardant and heat resistant.

Example 6

[0083] A fire retardant and heat resistant fabric made from a yarn having a 90:10 wt% blend of O-Pan and PBI, respectively, is treated in the manner discussed in Example 1. This fabric is not as strong as compared to the fabrics of Examples 1, 2, 4 and 5 as a result of including less strengthening fibers, but is more fire retardant and heat resistant as a result of including 10% PBI. Encapsulating this blend with the silicone polymer coating greatly enhances its strength.

Example 7

[0084] A fire retardant and heat resistant fabric made from a yarn having a 60:10:15:15 wt% blend of O-Pan, p-aramid, polyvinyl chloride, and m-aramid, respectively, is treated in the manner discussed in Example 1. This fabric is quite stronge as compared to previous examples as a result of including more and more types of strengthening fibers, but is less fire retardant and heat resistant.

Examples 8-14

[0085] The fire retardant and heat resistant fabrics of Examples 1-7 are pretreated with a fluorochemical prior to encapsulation with the silicone polymer. The flurochemical is saturated into the fabric as a solution or suspension with a solvent. Excess flurochemical composition is removed from the saturated fabric by applying pressure. Thereafter, the flurochemical composition is heated in order to remove the solvent by evaporation and dry the flurochemical. After applying the silicone polymer according to Example 1, the flurochemical remains at least partially impregnated within the fire retardant and heat resistant fabric.

[0086] The flurochemical further enhances the liquid- and gel-shedding properties of the fire retardant and heat resistant fabric beyond what is provided by the silicone polymer encapsulation provided in Examples 1-7. Enhancing the liquid- and gel-shedding properties of the fire retardant and heat resistant fabric further protects a wearer of the fabric from fire and heat if doused with a flammable liquid or gel, such as gasoline.

Examples 15-33

[0087] Various treated fire retardant and heat resistant fabrics are manufactured using any of the fabrics utilized in Examples 1-7. The silicone polymer coating used to treat the fire retardant and heat resistant fabric(s) according to Examples 15-33 are set forth in Table I below. The amount of silicone resin in the polymer coating is in all cases 100 parts. The "mixture ratio" refers to the ratio of packaged components as supplied by the manufacturer.

Table I

Example	Silicone Resin	Mixture Ratio	Substituted Benzophenone	Parts	Other Additives	Part
15	Silopren® LSR 2530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	7127 Accelerator1	5/10
16	Silastic® 595 LSR	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Syl-off® 76112	50
17	SLE 5100, Liquid BC-10	10:1 1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Sylox® 23	8
18	Silopren® LSR 2530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Hydral® 7104	10
19	Silopren® LSR 1530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Silopren® LSR Z30425	1
20	SLE 5500	10:1	Uvinul 400	5
21	Silopren® 2430	1:1	Uvinul 400	5
22	SLE 5300	10:1	Uvinul 400	5
23	SLE 5106	10:1	Uvinul 400	5
24	Silopren® LSR 2530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Flattening Agent OK412®6	4
25	Silopren® LSR 2530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Nalco® 1 SJ-612 Colloidal Silica7	50
26	Silopren® LSR 2530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Nalco® 1SJ-612 Colloidal Alumina8	50
27	Silastic® 595 LSR	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	200 Fluid9	7
28	Silopren® LSR 2530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5
29	Silastic® 595 LSR	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Zepel® 704010	3
30	Silastic® 595 LSR	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Zonyl® UR11	1/10
31	Silastic® 595 LSR	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	Zonyl® FSN-10012	1/10
32	Silopren® LSR 2530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	DLX-600®13	5
33	Silopren® LSR 2530	1:1	Uvinul 400	5	TE-3608®14	5

1 7127 Accelerator (Dow Coming) is a polysiloxane 2 Syl-off® (Dow Coming) is a cross-linker 3 Sylox® 2 (W.R. Grace & Co.) is a synthetic amorphous silica 4 Hydral® 710 (Alcoa) is a hydrated aluminum oxide 5 Silopren® LSR Z3042 (Mobay) is a silicone primer (bonding agent) mixture 6 Flattening Agent OK412® (Degussa Corp.) is a wax coated silicon dioxide 7 Nalco® 1SJ-612 Colloidal Silica (Nalco Chemical Co.) is an aqueous solution of silica and alumina 8 Nalco® 1 SJ-612 Colloidal Alumina (Nalco Chemical Co.) is an aqueous colloidal alumina dispersion 9 200 Fluid (Dow Coming) is a 100 cps viscosity dimethylpolysiloxane 10 Zepel® 7040 (DuPont) is a nonionic fluoropolymer 11 Zonyl® UR (DuPont) is an anionic fluorosurfactant 12 Zonyl® FSN-100 (DuPont) is a nonionic fluorosurfactant 13 DLX-600® (DuPont) is a polytetrafluoroethylene micropowder 14 TE-3608® (DuPont) is a polytetrafluoroethylene micropowder

[0088] The silicone polymer resin and other components are mixed using a Hockmayer F dispersion blade at low torque and high shear. The fire retardant and heat resistant fabric is tensioned and passed through a bath containing the silicone resin composition. Localized high shear is applied to the silicone resin composition near the surface of the fabric in order to coat the yarn strands comprising the fabric at a rate of 1.0 oz/sq.yd. The fabric is passed through the polymer resin composition several times to ensure thorough impregnation. After impregnation, the impregnated fabric is removed from the silicone polymer composition bath and passed through a line oven of approximately 10 yards in length, as 4-6 yards per minute, and cured at a temperature of 325-350°F.

Examples 34-60

[0089] Various treated fire retardant and heat resistant fabrics are manufactured according to any of Examples 8-14. The fluorochemical compositions used to pretreat the fire retardant and heat resistant fabric(s) according to Examples 34-60 prior to application of the silicone resin composition (which may comprise any of the compositions of Examples 15-33 in Table I) are set forth in Table II below.

Table II

Example	Flurochemical
34	Milease® F-14N
35	Milease® F-34
36	Milease® F-31X
37	Milease® F-53
38	Phobotex® FC104
39	Phobotex® FC461
40	Phobotex® FC731
41	Phobotex® FC208
42	Phobotex® FC232
43	Teflon® G
44	Teflon® NPA
45	Teflon® SKF
46	Teflon® UP
47	Teflon® UPH
48	Teflon® PPR
49	Teflon® N
50	Teflon® MLV
51	Zepel® B
52	Zepel® D
53	Zepel® K
54	Zepel® RN
55	Zepel® RC
56	Zepel® OR
57	Zepel® HT
58	Zepel® 6700
59	Zepel® 7040
60	Scotchguard®

[0090] Prior to applying the fluorochemical composition, the fire retardant and heat resistant fabric is washed with detergent, rinsed thoroughly, and hung to air dry. Thereafter, the fabric is soaked in water and then wrung dry to retain 0.8 g water/g fabric. The fabric is then treated with a solution or suspension (e.g., a 2% solution) of the fluorochemical composition, taking into account the water already soaked into the fabric (e.g., using a 2.5% solution of the fluorochemical). The pretreated fabric is wrung through a wringer and air dried. The fabric is then heated in an oven for 1 minute at 350°F to remove any remaining solvent and sinter the fluorochemical. The fluorochemical treated fabric is then coated with a silicone polymer composition (e.g., a composition from one of Example 15-33.

Example 61

[0091] Various treated liquid- and gel-shedding and strengthened fire retardant and heat resistant fabrics are manufactured using the fabrics disclosed in Examples 1-7, the silicone resin compositions of Examples 15-33, and the fluorochemical compositions of Examples 34-60 (i.e., a wide range of different liquid- and gel-shedding and strengthened fire retardant and heat resistant fabrics are manufactured using every possible combination of fabrics, silicone resin compositions, and fluorochemical compositions of Examples 1-7, 15-33 and 34-60, respectively).

[0092] The fire retardant and heat resistant fabrics treated according to the foregoing examples have increased tensile strength, abrasion resistance, durability and liquid- and gel-shedding properties compared to the fabrics prior to treating with the silicone-based polymer. Because the silicone-based polymer only encapsulates the individual yarn strands but not the pores or spaces between the overlapping yarn strands, the treated fabrics retain a level of breathability and porosity. In addition, the elastomeric properties of the silicone-based polymer allow the fabrics to retain a level of flexibility and suppleness, which helps maintain the comfort of the fabrics if worn against a person's body.

[0093] The fabrics can be used in the manufacture of a wide variety of clothing and other articles where high fire retardance, heat resistance, and liquid and gel shedding capabilities are desirable. Examples include, but are not limited to, clothing, jump suits, gloves, socks, welding bibs, fire blankets, padding, protective head gear, linings, undergarments, bedding, drapes, and the like. The treated fabrics and articles are especially useful in the case where the wearer may be coated or doused with a flammable liquid or gel, such as a policemen or soldier hit with a Molotov cocktail or other incendiary device.

[0094] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn, comprising:

a fire retardant and heat resistant inner core comprised of:

one or more types of fire retardant and heat resistant polymer fibers and/or filaments having an LOI of at least about 50 and that do not burn when exposed to heat or flame having a temperature of about 3000° F; and

one or more types of strengthening fibers and/or filaments; and an outer liquid-shedding and strengthening shell encapsulating at least a portion of the inner core comprised of a liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coating,

wherein the liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn has increased strength, abrasion resistance, durability and liquid shedding ability compared to a yarn consisting exclusively of the fire retardant and heat resistant inner core.

2. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, wherein the fire retardant and heat resistant polymer fibers and/or filaments comprise oxidized polyacrylonitrile.

3. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, wherein the fire retardant and heat resistant inner core includes oxidized polyacrylonitrile in an amount in a range of about 25% to about 99.9% by weight of the inner core.

4. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, wherein the fire retardant and heat resistant inner core includes oxidized polyacrylonitrile in an amount in a range of about 40% to about 95% by weight of the inner core.

5. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, wherein the fire retardant and heat resistant inner core includes oxidized polyacrylonitrile in an amount in a range of about 50% to about 90% by weight of the inner core.

6. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, wherein the strengthening fibers and/or filaments comprise at least one of p-aramid, m-aramid, polybenzimidazole, polybenzoxazole, polyphenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole, modacrilic, polyvinyl halide, wool, fire resistant polyester, nylon, rayon, cotton, or melamine.

7. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1,
wherein the inner core comprises at least one metallic strengthening filament selected from steel, stainless steel, steel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, or copper alloy.

8. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, wherein the inner core further comprises at least one ceramic strengthening filament selected from silicon carbide, graphite, or a high strength ceramic that includes at least one oxide of Al, Zr, Ti, Si, Fe, Co, Ca, Nb, Pb, Mg, Sr, Cu, Bi, or Mn.

9. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, wherein the liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coating comprises at least one type of cured silicone polymer resin.

10. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, further comprising at least one fluorochemical at least partially impregnated within the inner core that further imparts liquid shedding capability to the liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn.

11. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 1, wherein the yarn also has flammable gel shedding ability.

12. A liquid shedding fire retardant and heat resistant fabric comprising:

a plurality of liquid shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarns according to claim 1 that have been woven, knitted, or otherwise joined together into a fabric.

13. A liquid shedding fire retardant and heat resistant article of manufacture formed from the liquid shedding fire retardant and heat resistant fabric according to claim 11.

14. A liquid shedding fire retardant and heat resistant article of manufacture as defined in claim 12, wherein the article of manufacture is selected from the group consisting of clothing, jump suit, glove, sock, welding bib, fire blanket, padding, protective head gear, lining, undergarment, bedding, and drape.

15. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn, comprising:

a fire retardant and heat resistant inner core comprised of polyacrylonitrile fibers and/or filaments;

at least one fluorochemical at least partially impregnated within the inner core; and

an outer liquid-shedding and strengthening shell encapsulating at least a portion of the inner core comprised of a liquid-resistant and strengthening silicone polymer coating,

wherein the liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn has increased strength, abrasion resistance, durability and liquid shedding ability compared to a yarn consisting exclusively of the fire retardant and heat resistant inner core.

16. A liquid shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn as defined in claim 15, the fire retardant and heat resistant inner core further comprising one or more types of strengthening fibers and/or filaments selected from the group consisting of p-aramid, m-aramid, polybenzimidazole, polybenzoxazole, polyphenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole, modacrilic, polyvinyl halide, wool, fire resistant polyester, nylon, rayon, cotton, and melamine.

17. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant fabric, comprising:

a plurality of liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn strands woven, knitted or otherwise joined together to form the fabric, wherein the fire retardant and heat resistant yarn strands are comprised of polyacrylonitrile fibers and/or filaments, wherein the fabric includes spaces between the yarn strands; and

a liquid-shedding and strengthening shell encapsulating at least a portion of the yarn strands, wherein the liquid-shedding and strengthening shell is comprised of a liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coating that is applied so that the fabric maintains spaces between the yarn strands and remains porous and breathable,

wherein the liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant fabric has increased strength, abrasion resistance, durability and liquid shedding ability compared to a fabric consisting exclusively of the fire retardant and heat resistant yarn strands.

18. A liquid shedding fire retardant and heat resistant fabric as defined in claim 17, the fire retardant and heat resistant yarn strands further comprising one or more types of strengthening fibers and/or filaments selected from the group consisting of p-aramid, m-aramid, polybenzimidazole, polybenzoxazole, polyphenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole, modacrilic, polyvinyl halide, wool, fire resistant polyester, nylon, rayon, cotton, and melamine.

19. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant fabric as defined in claim 17, wherein the liquid-resistant and strengthening polymer coating comprises at least one type of cured silicone polymer resin.

20. A liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant fabric as defined in claim 17, further comprising at least one fluorochemical at least partially impregnated within the fire retardant and heat resistant yarn strands that further imparts liquid shedding capability to the liquid-shedding fire retardant and heat resistant yarn strands.

21. A liquid shedding fire retardant and heat resistant fabric as defined in claim 17, wherein the fabric forms at least part of an article of manufacture selected from the group consisting of clothing, jump suit, glove, sock, welding bib, fire blanket, padding, protective head gear, lining, undergarment, bedding, and drape.