About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2023 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
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Symposium
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Printed Electronics and Additive Manufacturing: Functional Materials, Processing Techniques, and Emerging Applications
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Presentation Title |
Thermal, Hydrothermal, and Ultraviolet Aging of ePTFE/FR PU/Nomex® IIIA Moisture Barrier Used in Firefighters’ Protective Clothing |
Author(s) |
Laura Munevar-Ortiz, John A. Nychka, Patricia I. Dolez |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Laura Munevar-Ortiz |
Abstract Scope |
Moisture barrier (MB) is an essential layer in firefighters’ protective clothing because it prevents liquid entry while allowing perspiration to exit. It has been shown that aging negatively impacts MB performance. This study aims at examining the effect of accelerated thermal, hydrothermal, and ultraviolet (UV) aging on the tear force, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), and apparent contact angle of ePTFE/FR PU/Nomex®IIIA MBs. The aging conditions were selected considering the conditions faced by firefighters. The tear force and WVTR were measured following ASTM D5587 and ASTM E96, respectively. It was found that the MBs retained 70% of their original tear force after thermal aging, 80% after hydrothermal aging, but only 15% after UV aging at the longest aging time. The WVTR increased when the MB was hydrothermal aged and increased/decreased when it was thermal aged. These preliminary results demonstrate the importance of better characterizing and understanding the MB aging behaviour. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
Keywords |
Environmental Effects, Mechanical Properties, |