Methods and Systems for Providing Dyed, Stretchable Flame Resistant Fabrics and Garments

Abstract

Flame resistant stretch fabrics made from aramid fibers and elastomeric fibers and methods and systems for dyeing such fabrics while significantly retaining the stretch properties of the fabrics. Such methods and systems include the use of certain dye carriers not conventionally used in the aramid dyeing process that enable the fabric to be dyed under normal aramid dyeing conditions without eliminating or significantly impacting the stretch properties of the fabric. Such suitable dye carriers for use in the process include, but are not limited to, benzyl alcohol, butyl benzoate, n-butyl phthalimide, isopropyl phthalimide, dimethyl phthalate, biphenyl, monochlorotoluene, and combinations thereof. Phthalimides, and more particularly blends of n-butyl phthalimide and isopropyl phthalimide, have proven particularly effective at dyeing the aramid fibers at high temperatures while retaining the elastomeric properties of the fabric. The dyed flame resistant stretch fabrics of this invention can be used to construct, among other things, the entirety or various portions of, a variety of protective garments for protecting the wearer against electrical arc flash and flames, including, but not limited to, coveralls, jumpsuits, shirts, jackets, vests, and trousers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.