Flame Retardants

Fire prevention in public spaces has received increased attention in recent years. As a result, the Flame Retardant or Flame Resistant properties of fabric have become an integral part of the design and manufacturing decision-making process.

Expofabric fabrics are, unless otherwise specified, Flame Resistant and meet the standards set forth by Fire Safety Bureau (FSB) of Singapore. They are treated with Flame Retardant chemicals either in fiber form, at the mill, or afterwards at a Flameproofer.  Many conditions affect the flame resistance of a fabric: how the fabric is used; what other fabric or non-fabric components are added to the base fabric; environmental conditions such as sunlight, dust, humidity, etc; length of time in service; sewing, printing, painting or any other added processing steps.  It’s the customer’s responsibility to verify that the completed design passes the appropriate FSB Fire Codes.

Expofabric can assist you with our experience and knowledge, but cannot assume responsibility on how our customers use and maintain their finished product.

Terminology Commonly Used for FR Fabrics

• Flame Retardant (FR) Fabric has been treated with a Flame Retardant chemical at the Mill or Flameproofer. This is a topical treatment, usually water-soluble and has limited service life. It cannot stand up to high humidity or washing. The fabric must be retested each year and re-flame proofed as necessary to maintain its certification. This is the most common type of finish on 100% Cotton FR fabrics and Polyester or Nylon fabrics treated by a flameproofer.

• Inherently Flame Resistant (IFR) A Flame Retardant additive is added to the fiber to give the fabric Permanent Flame Resistance.  A topical finish is often added in fabric dyeing and finishing insuring in fabric formation and the FR properties are maintained.  Although there will be no degradation from washing or dry cleaning, the same factors of environment, use of added components and further processing may compromise its flame resistance. Retesting every few years and re-flame proofing may still be required.

• CNFP / Cannot Be Flame Proofed Fabric cannot be Flame proofed by any method without compromising the structural integrity of the fabric.

• Permanently Flame Resistant (PFR) Fabric is treated with Flame Retardant chemicals in the dyeing and finishing process at the mill.  These chemicals are not water-soluble and are permanently bonded to the fabric.  This process is commonly used on 100% Polyester fabrics. All of Expofabric 100% Polyester fabrics that are denoted as PFR in the catalogue are Permanently Flame Resistant. Nevertheless, retesting and re-flame proofing may still be required.