is it possible Make acrylic flame resistant?

[GG]

Grant, I'm sure you know a lot more about that than do I.

I never doubted that wool is better than acrylic fabrics and that wool is less flammable. I know that acrylic is more flammable than most manmade fabrics, but so is nylon, used for ladies stockings.

What I tried to say was that perhaps acrylic is not THAT dangerous for a kilt as some would say, compare to Ozark Ridge Rider’s experiences.

Concerning the photos of kilts in flames, well, we all know that exaggeration is an aid for understanding and widely used in politics, advertising, lobbyism, PR - and among normal human beings.

Have a nice day!

Greg
Non-smoking, non-Scottish kilt wearer

[ccga3359]

Greg I not knocking your choice of kilt material or it's country of origin. I'm just pressing a point. So many start out with these kilts unaware that perhaps it's not the wisest choice material wise. Ted makes a good point. I've heard many times people say that they buy Acrylic kilts for knockabout kilts when camping. Heaven forbid that they wear an $800 wool kilt lest it get ruined. But when they're sitting around the campfire singing Kumbaya and a log explodes shooting embers every where it's then one might discover that perhaps a cotton or hemp canvas or cheap wool kilt might've been a better choice. Will an acrylic kilt erupt into flames at that point? No, it stands as much chance of igniting as a lit cigarette tossed into a puddle of petrol. Stand up twirl around as you're brushing away the ember from your melting apron and the flames lick the pleats... There's a reason you don't build a campfire next to your nylon tent, you're asdking for trouble the same with wearing a "knockaround kilt"

Now wearing that same acrylic kilt on a sailboat, walking down the street or going for a drink with the lads then that kilt is worn in a proper setting.

In short the original question is about making acrylic retardant, I'm sure we both agree that it's a negative and should best be worn with due dilligence.

[Wompet]

I have to agree with those saying that acrylic can't be fire-proofed.
Here's a thread with video of a "burn test" of kilt fabrics. Acrylic wasn't included, but watch what happens to the PV (which is less flammable than acrylic, going by general consensus at the time):
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...terials-31698/

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

I think I'm just gonna try to be careful where I wear that acrylic, and wear the wool or PV most of the time anyway.

I doubt any fireproofing would be very effective on it, so I'll just try to avoid the hazard.

[Snowbear]

From my side, I would say there is a 50/50 thing here. You can spray on chemicals that will ease the flames and get rid of some of the heat. This is much like what is used on cloths in the fire department. Your biggest problem is that acrylic fabric have a very low smelting point. So I would say that; yes it is fire resistant, but the temperature will smelt the acrylic fiber.

[Paul Henry]

Whether or not you could fireproof acrylic, and I doubt very much that you could successfully, a major factor would be whatever chemicals you use, remember that you would be wearing against your skin, at least some part of your skin.
Most of the FR products are not nice to handle and some are in fact dangerous or toxic or sensitising, so I would suggest caution.

[Chas]

Whether or not you could fireproof acrylic, and I doubt very much that you could successfully, a major factor would be whatever chemicals you use, remember that you would be wearing against your skin, at least some part of your skin.
Most of the FR products are not nice to handle and some are in fact dangerous or toxic or sensitising, so I would suggest caution.

I agree 100%.

Until recently, I worked for the largest babygoods retailer in Europe. All the fabric was produced and treated in China. The fire retardant chemicals react with sweat. Different fabrics (often the same fabric but a different shade) absorb more or less of the chemical. So often a shipment would be consigned to the scrapheap because it was fire retardant but would burn the child through touch.

I think it would be near impossible to get the balance right between wearability and an acceptable retardance without ruining the kilt.

Regards

Chas