Investigation of Sealed Seams Properties of Moisture Barrier Layer in Firefighters Clothing

This study presents an experimental investigation of sealed seams performance of two types of nonwoven fireproof fabrics laminated with bicomponent and hydrophilic membrane, which are used for moisture barrier layer in firefighters clothing. Seam strength in longitudinal and cross direction and resistance to water penetration were determined for investigation of quality of sealed seams with thermoplastic polyurethane tape. Determining the efficiency of sealed seams, optimal sealing parameters (temperature, sealing speed and quill pressure) were identified in order to achieve good seam performance. The experimental relations and empirical equations for the seam strength and resistance to water penetration determined in this research can be used to predict efficiency of seams quality applying different parameters of seam sealing process.