The flammability of different textiles and its influence on the severity of skin burns

The flammability hazard of a fabric depends on the chemical nature of the fibre or fibre blend, finishing treatment, fabric structure (tightness, thickness, nap of surface) and the type of garment. Ease of ignition, ease of flame spread and tendency to shrink and melt are important factors. Lately the rate of heat transfer from a flammable fabric has attracted more attention. Now methods have been developed to measure this property, which, from the point of view of skin damage, is extremely important. In this article the flammability properties of common textile materials are discussed in the light of some recent investigations.