Development of knitwear for protection against increased thermal effects

Thermo protective underwear is an element of protective clothing for firefighters, personnel of special service or military, etc. By choosing raw materials, it is recommended to keep a balance between protection and comfort, and to follow not only individual characteristics of a particular fibre (or fabric), but to consider in a complex fire-resistant, heat- resistant, heat-insulating and hygienic properties. Knitted fabrics used for protective underwear have to guarantee not only required thermo-protection, but also ensure the thermo-physiological comfort. In this research, samples of bicomponent double-layered knitted structures were developed and manufactured on the circular double-needle-bar weft knitting machine. For the technical-face layer of the knitted samples, yarns based on flame-retardant meta-aramid fibres or in combination with non-combustible viscose were used. While for technical back side, yarns containing modified DEOKIL® polyester fibres with increased capillarity, antibacterial and deodorizing effect, and woollen yarns were used. Physical properties and mechanical behaviour of these sample were investigated. Flame retardancy was investigated according to ISO 15025:2016.