To make TC (Terry Cloth) tent fabric flame retardant, a special treatment process is typically used. This process involves applying flame-retardant chemicals or finishes to the fabric to reduce its flammability and slow the spread of fire. Here are the general steps to achieve flame retardancy in TC tent fabric:
1. Choosing the Right Flame Retardant Treatment
Chemical Treatments: The most common method involves applying flame retardants that chemically bond with the fibers of the fabric. These flame retardants are typically based on phosphorus, nitrogen, or halogenated compounds.
Flame Retardant Coatings: Some treatments involve coating the fabric with a thin layer of flame retardant that does not penetrate deeply into the fibers but still provides effective fire resistance.
2. Application Process
Padding Process: The flame retardant solution is usually applied using a padding process where the fabric is immersed in the chemical solution, then squeezed through rollers to ensure even distribution. The fabric is then dried at high temperatures to fix the chemical treatment.
Spray Coating: Another method involves spraying the flame retardant chemicals onto the fabric's surface. This is often used for more temporary treatments or when uniformity is less critical.
Dip and Dry: The fabric can also be dipped into a flame retardant solution and then allowed to air dry or be heat-set to bond the chemicals to the fibers.
3. Curing Process
After the flame retardant chemicals are applied, the fabric must be cured, usually through heat treatment, to ensure that the chemicals bond properly with the fibers and remain effective during use. Curing also helps in fixing the chemical's properties, so it is resistant to washing or environmental exposure.
4. Testing and Certification
Once treated, the fabric should undergo rigorous testing to ensure it meets the necessary flame retardancy standards. Some of the most commonly used fire safety standards include:
NFPA 701 (National Fire Protection Association) for fabrics used in tents and drapery.
BS 5867 (British Standard for fabric flammability).
EN 13501-1 (European standard for fire classification of construction products and building elements).
These tests assess how well the fabric resists ignition, how quickly it burns if ignited, and the level of heat or smoke produced.
5. Long-Term Durability
Flame retardant treatments can degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, washing, or other environmental factors. To ensure long-lasting fire resistance, the fabric may need to be treated periodically or after certain uses (e.g., outdoor events). It's important to select flame retardants that offer high durability and retention of properties over the fabric's lifecycle.
