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!!
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