Development of CBRN Barrier Fabric for Protective Clothing

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There is a need for new barrier technologies—to protect against harmful chemicals—that will ultimately provide greater comfort for firefighters, chemical industry workers, and military personnel. Such chemical protective clothing could be used, for example, in personal protective equipment, outdoor apparel, military missions in the Arctic, and scientific protective clothing. Fabrics laminated with barrier membranes are in fact used in the manufacture of NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) Class 3 and 4 suits and garments for CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) protection. For this type of protective clothing, inward leakage, liquid penetration, and chemical permeation properties are critical requirements.

In addition, this protective clothing must be flame-resistant, virus-resistant, and wash resistant. Given the complexity of this protective clothing and the numerous and rigorous requirements, progress in this area has been slow when it comes to alleviating thermal stress and improving thermophysiological comfort for users. The Canadian textile industry is currently showing interest in new processes, technologies, and materials that would enable it to manufacture better, more competitive products with a lower environmental impact and improved productivity. It is important to invest in R&D projects related to the technical textiles industry, as this industry can contribute to the expansion of the Canadian manufacturing sector—including the production of technical textiles—in the coming years.

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