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Author
Bracht, N. K.
Title
Effects of Laundering on Blanket Flammability as Measured by Forty-Five Degree Angle and Horizontal Test Methods.
Coporate
Auburn Univ., AL
Report
Thesis, December 8, 1972, 99 p.
Keywords
blankets | laundering | test methods | ease of ignition tester | fabric construction | fibers | flammability | ignition | 45 degree tests
Abstract
With the passage of the 1967 amendment to the Fabric Flammability Act, blanket flammability has become an issue of importance to government, industry, concerned individuals, and the consumer. The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of laundering on blanket flammability and to compare blanket ignition results obtained using the 45 degree angle flammability test with those from an NBS-drafted horizontal ease-of-ignition test using one second flame impingement. Seven blankets were used in the study representing five fiber contents (acrylic, polyester/rayon, polyester, cotton, and nylon) and four fabric constructions (needlepunched, conventional woven, thermal woven, and flocked). The three laundering tratments were plain tap water, no detergent; 250 ppm hard water, high phosphate detergent; and 250 ppm hard water, non-phosphate detergent. Each treatment was carried out five and 10 times. A control group remained unlaundered. Fabric physical parameters were measured and flammability tests were conducted for each treatment group.