Development of protective fabric systems with spacer fabric and performance evaluation upon hot pressurized steam

Developing new fabric systems with excellent thermal protective performance is essential to protecting workers from hot pressurized steam hazards. In this study, a laminated fabric was selected and a weft-knitted spacer fabric was developed for steam protective fabric systems. Effects of the configuration of the fabric systems and heat setting of spacer fabric on performances were investigated. The results demonstrate that the developed spacer fabric significantly prolonged skin burn times compared with controls. However, heat setting of spacer fabric had a negligible effect on improving thermal protective performance. Spacer fabric provided superior thermal protection while ensuring thermal comfort and enhancing air permeability, especially for spacer fabric after heat setting. Generally, a fabric system composed of a laminated outer shell and a spacer fabric is the best choice for steam protective clothing. The findings help develop a novel thermal liner to decrease energy transfer and provide better protection from pressurized steam.