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Optimised Fire Resistant Base Layer

It is widely accepted that woollen garments have a range of fire resistance benefits. This investment sought to generate evidence to support increased utilisation of Merino wool as base and mid layer garments in protective ensembles worn by emergency services and the military. Of nine commercially available wool and non-wool fire-resistant materials tested, Zirpro-treated wool fabric showed no apparent skin damage compared to control samples in both the flame and mini-Molotov tests. The study demonstrated that a wool blend fabric of comparable density can offer the same or better level of protection to the wearer than expensive man-made polymers.

Project date

9 Nov 2017-30 Jun 2019

Principal investigator

Alex Hodgson

Project funded by

Multiple industries
Sheep & lamb Wool

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI)

Australian Wool Innovation is a not-for-profit enterprise that conducts research, development and marketing along the worldwide supply chain for Australian …

Multiple industries
Sheep & lamb Wool
  • Location

    Australia

  • Organisation type

    Research funding body

Logo for Australian Wool Innovation (AWI)

Focus areas

Industries

Technology areas

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