In this series of reports, WTiN will provide information about fire-retardant materials innovation and challenges for personal protective equipment (PPE) applications.

In Part I of this report, an introduction to the combustion process and the importance of understanding the degradation of fibres and fabrics exposed to heat or flames was given. Moreover, a description of fire-retardant chemicals as well as fibres and fabrics used in PPE was provided, outlining how they differ in regard to chemical structure and the additives and finishes applied to them during their manufacture.

Here in Part II, a brief market overview of the heat and flame-retardant fibres, fabrics and chemicals that were introduced in the previous part is provided, and the key general drivers of innovation and development in this market are discussed as well. In addition, the properties important for flame-retardant fabrics used for PPE are listed together with regulations and standard test methods for evaluating flame-retardant materials for different PPE applications.

In the upcoming Part III, available technologies and recent innovations in FR materials will be discussed, and some examples of commercial products already on the market will be reported. This will be complemented with a brief overview of the mentioned companies and brands as well as new developments from academia.