METHOD OF TREATING SILICA FABRIC

Abstract

A method of treating silica fabric blankets to enhance the material from high temperatures and fire. The method comprising the steps of: coating a silica fabric blanket with dry superabsorbent polymer, storing the coated blanket in a water proof container, hydrating the coated blanket with water and covering a person or object with the hydrated coated blanket to provide enhanced protection to the person or object from high temperatures and fire.

Claims

1. A method of treating silica fabric material and use of the treated silica fabric to enhance the fabric materials for use as blankets from high temperatures and fire, said method comprising the steps of: coating each yd.sup.2 of silica fabric with about 1 ounce of dry superabsorbent polymer; storing the coated silica fabric in a waterproof container; removing said coated silica fabric from said waterproof container; hydrating said coated silica fabric with water; covering a person or object with the hydrated coated silica fabric; wherein said hydrated coated silica fabric provides enhanced protection from high temperatures and fire.

2. The method of treating silica fabrics according to claim 1 wherein each said yd.sup.2 of silica fabric weighs about 18 ounces.

3. The method of treating silica fabrics according to claim 1 wherein each said yd.sup.2 of silica fabric weighs about 36 ounces.

4. The method of treating silica fabrics according to claim 1 wherein each super absorbent polymer is a cross-linked modified polyacrylamides/potassium acrylate.

5. The method of treating silica fabrics according to claim 1 wherein each super absorbent polymer is a cross-linked modified polyacrylamides/sodium acrylate.

6. The method of treating silica fabrics according to claim 1 including the step of vacuuming air from said water proof container.

7. The method of treating silica fabrics according to claim 1 including the step of pressing said blanket with pressure to provide a compact storage of said blanket.

8. The method of treating silica fabrics according to claim 1 wherein said superabsorbent polymer is marketed under the trademark FireIce.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] Silica based blankets have various contents of fiberglass and silicon dioxide. The instant invention improves all types of silica blankets. For purposes of this disclosure, conventional fiberglass blankets have a silicon dioxide content of about 52% to 56%, a melting point of about 2000 F., and are not considered fireproof. Silica blankets have a silicon dioxide content of greater than 95%, a melting point of about 3000 F., and are considered fireproof. The silica blankets have a generally satin weave, are soft and pliable.

[0019] The instant invention teaches the use of the silica fabric to be treated with a super absorbent polymer, either a cross-linked modified polyacrylamides/potassium acrylate or cross-linked polyacrylamides/sodium acrylate. Other suitable polymers include, albeit are not limited to, carboxy-methylcellulose, alginic acid, cross-linked starches, and cross-linked polyaminoacids. The preferred super absorbent polymer for treating of the fabric is sold under the trademark FIREICE from the GelTech Corporation.

[0020] The silica fabric blanket is treated with the superabsorbent polymer by applying dry polymer directly to a dry silica fabric. Light brushing or rubbing of the polymer onto the fabric causes adhesion of the polymer to the fabric, both in a charged attraction and with a physical attachment. The polymer is rubbed with sufficient pressure to cause the integration of the polymer to mechanically be trapped with the fabric material. Preferably both sides of the blanket are treated to enhance the amount of sites capable of being hydrated. Sufficient pressure forces the polymer to be trapped by the fabric, yet does not cause excessive sheering of the polymer to loss effectiveness. The trapped and attached polymer can hold over 60% by weight of water.

[0021] The coated silica blanket is stored dry, and maintained in a dry state by sealing within a container such as a plastic bag. The plastic bag maintains the blanket in a dry state allowing for ease of storage and movement. The polymer is inert and can be stored indefinitely as long as the container seal remains secure. The polymer adding negligible weight to the silica fabric, the weight of the silica fabric is preferably 18, 32 or 36 oz/yd.sup.2. The container can be formed so that the coated blanket is stored in a tight container as possible. For instance, a vacuum can be drawn on the container so that no air is trapped in the container allows for compact storage. Further, the coated silica blanket can be pressed under pressure wherein the blanket can be further reduced in size. The polymer coating acting as a lubricant to prevent damage to the fibers during a pressure press.

[0022] When a need arises, the blanket can be moistened with water from most any source, causing instant saturation of the polymer; the hydrated polymer creating an increase in the protection afforded the blanket. Even if the blanked was pressed to a smaller size under pressure, water activates the polymer allowing them to retain the water while removing the fabric from the pressed condition without damage to the fabric.

[0023] The hydrated super absorbent polymer has substantially superior fire suppression and extinguishing properties than the fire suppression and extinguishing properties of plain water. One of the unique properties of the admixture is its ability to cling to the blanket to which it has been applied, and both cool down the blanket when subjected to fire, and create a block to inhibit fire from melting through the blanket.

[0024] The method of treating silica fabrics to enhance said fabric from high temperatures and fire comprises the steps of: coating each yd.sup.2 of silica fabric with about 1 ounce of dry superabsorbent polymer; storing the coated silica fabric in a waterproof container; removing said coated silica fabric from said waterproof container; hydrating said coated silica fabric with water; and covering a person or object with the hydrated coated silica fabric, wherein said hydrated coated silica fabric provides enhanced protection from high temperatures and fire. The dry superabsorbent polymer can rubbed into the fabric, the polymer having a natural tendency to adhere to the fabric and the size of the polymer causes it to become instantly embedded within the strands of the fabric.

[0025] Water may be placed into the container to cause hydration. For example, forest firefighters carry various types of fire blankets with them in case they become trapped by a fire. Proper use of a blanket is to cover the firefighter's body and allow the fire to pass over the firefighter. Unfortunately, the heat from a fire can be so intense that the skin of the firefighter can burn beneath the blanket. The use of a hydrated silica blanket provides enhanced temperature protection by allowing for heat dissipation. A forest firefighter may use water from any available source to hydrate the blanket, including river water, swimming pool water, bottled water and the like. Hydration of the coated silica blanket increases the temperature resistance of the silica fabric, and more importantly, provides a moisture barrier to prevent isolated melting of the fabric caused by hot embers which allows heat dissipation to protect the skin.

[0026] Another example is the use of blankets by welders. For this example, the Applicant refers to welding on ships, wherein hot slag, arcs and splatter can not only result in damage to the floor coatings, in many such instances, wiring harnesses and pipes may be detrimentally affected. Dropping of hot slag on conventional blankets can result in melting of the blanket within 15 seconds. Employment of the hydrated blanket eliminates melting; the hydrated polymer cooling off the slag well before fabric melting points are reached.

[0027] Another example is the use of blankets by professional firefighters who carry various blankets with them in case they need to extract an individual or pet trapped by a fire. Proper use of a blanket is to cover the body of the individual during the extraction process. Unfortunately, the heat from a fire can be so intense that the skin of the individual can burn beneath the blanket. In this example, the coated silica blanket is moistened with water and the hydrated blanket wrapped around the individual, providing enhanced temperature protection by allowing for heat dissipation. Hydration of the coated silica blanket increases the temperature resistance of the silica fabric, and again provides a moisture barrier to prevent isolated melting of the fabric caused by hot embers, and further allows heat dissipation to protect the skin.

[0028] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.