Development of molten metal splash-resistant clothing for foundry workers using sustainable jute-based textile materials

In this study, ten clothing samples (seven 100% jute and three jute-cotton union) with different weaves have been prepared and then treated with durable organo-phosphorous-based flame-retardant (FR) finishing. The DSC study carried out on untreated and FR-treated jute-cotton union fabric shows a lower thermal decomposition temperature in FR-treated fabric. The TGA study also reveals a higher residue remaining at 400oC of FR-treated fabric. The FR-treated fabric samples are studied for their molten metal splash resistance (iron and aluminium metals) after 5 wash cycles. All three samples qualify for the minimum protection level of E1 for molten metal splash iron. The study shows that twill weave fabric provides better protection for molten metal splash iron as compared to other weaves. In the case of the molten metal splash (aluminium) test, only jute-cotton union fabric samples pass the D1 level. These FR-treated samples also pass the minimum criteria of limited flame spread, convective and radiant heat transmissions.