Flame resistant fabrics having high resistance to pilling, and methods of making same

Abstract

A flame resistant fabric having a high level of pilling resistance and good strength characteristics is described. In addition, a method of making the fabric is also described.

1 . A method of making a fabric having good flame resistance and strength and low pilling characteristics comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing a plurality of vortex spun yarns comprising at least about 90% flame resistant aramid fibers,    b) forming a fabric from said vortex spun yarns, and    c) providing a lubricant on said yarns, such that said fabric has an overall concentration of about 0.25% to about 3% lubricant on weight of fabric.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of forming a fabric comprises weaving.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of providing a lubricant comprises treating the yarns, prior to or subsequent to step b), with a high molecular weight ethoxylated polyester.  
     
     
         4 . A method of making a fabric having good flame resistance and strength and low pilling characteristics comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing a plurality of vortex spun yarns comprising at least about 90% flame resistant aramid fibers,    b) forming a fabric from said vortex spun yarns, and    c) providing a lubricant on said yarns, to thereby achieve a fabric having a char length of less than about 4 inches when tested according to Fed. Mtd. 5930 (1978) Test Method, and a pilling of about 2 or greater when tested according to ASTM D3512-2002 after 90 minutes.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said step of providing a lubricant comprises providing a high molecular weight ethoxylated polyester to said yarns.  
     
     
         6 . A flame and pill resistant fabric comprising: 
 a woven fabric comprising spun yarns comprising at least about 90% flame resistant aramid fibers, wherein said fabric has a pill resistance of greater than 2 after 90 minutes when tested according to ASTM D3512-2002.    
     
     
         7 . The fabric according to  claim 6 , wherein said spun yarns comprise vortex spun yarns.  
     
     
         8 . The fabric according to  claim 6 , wherein said fabric has a pill resistance of about 2.5 or greater after 90 minutes.  
     
     
         9 . The fabric according to  claim 6 , wherein said fabric comprises at least about 0.25% on weight of fabric of a high molecular weight etholxylated polyester lubricant.  
     
     
         10 . A flame and pilling resistant fabric comprising: 
 a woven fabric comprising vortex spun yarns containing at least about 90% flame resistant aramid fibers and    at least about 0.25% of a high molecular weight ethoxylated polyester lubricant provided on said fabric.    
     
     
         11 . The fabric according to  claim 10 , wherein said fabric has a pilling resistance greater than 2 after 90 minutes when tested according to ASTM D3512-2002.