Melt-blowing of silicane-modified phenolic fibrous mat for personal thermal protection

Thermal insulation fabric for personal thermal protection equipment subjected to harsh conditions is urgently needed but remains challenging. Here, a high-ortho-silicane-modified phenolic resin (SiPR) with linear molecular structure and excellent spinnability is synthesized and melt-blown as a fibrous nonwoven mat with small fiber diameter (less than 4 µm) and high porosity (88%). Benefitting from the synergistic effect, the cured SiPR nonwoven (SiPR-MBNM) demonstrates high heat resistance, flame retardance, and low heat conductivity, which endow it with excellent thermal insulation performance in high-temperature environments. Complemented with the high production capacity of melt-blowing technology, SiPR-MBNM offers promising prospect for personal thermal protection equipment subjected to harsh and high-temperature conditions.