U.S. patent application number 10/732554 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for protective laminates.
Invention is credited to Carey, Gregory F., Nahmias, Michael, Pierce, Richard, Wyner, Daniel M., Wyner, James H..
Application Number | 20050130521 10/732554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34652891 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050130521 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wyner, Daniel M. ; et
al. |
June 16, 2005 |
Protective laminates
Abstract
Protective laminates are provided that include (a) a layer that
is breathable, free-standing, and highly impermeable to chemicals
to a degree that is subject to reduction upon flexing of the highly
impermeable layer alone; and (b) a non-textile layer attached to
the highly impermeable layer, the non-textile layer tending to
mitigate the reduction in the impermeability of the highly
impermeable layer if the laminate is flexed. The laminates may, for
example, be attached to textiles and used in protective
fabrics.
Inventors: |
Wyner, Daniel M.; (N.
Scituate, RI) ; Pierce, Richard; (Plymouth, MA)
; Nahmias, Michael; (Wakefield, RI) ; Carey,
Gregory F.; (Plymouth, MA) ; Wyner, James H.;
(Boston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
225 FRANKLIN ST
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Family ID: |
34652891 |
Appl. No.: |
10/732554 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
442/59 ;
442/286 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62D 5/00 20130101; Y10T
442/30 20150401; Y10T 428/31725 20150401; Y10T 428/31551 20150401;
Y10T 428/249978 20150401; Y10T 442/2139 20150401; Y10T 442/365
20150401; A41D 31/102 20190201; B32B 2437/00 20130101; B32B 27/286
20130101; Y10T 442/3878 20150401; Y10T 428/263 20150115; B32B
2307/7265 20130101; B32B 7/12 20130101; B32B 2307/724 20130101;
Y10T 428/31786 20150401; Y10T 442/3854 20150401; A41D 31/085
20190201; B32B 27/12 20130101; B32B 27/06 20130101; Y10T 442/20
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
442/059 ;
442/286 |
International
Class: |
B32B 027/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A protective laminate comprising a layer that is breathable,
free-standing, and highly impermeable to chemicals to a degree that
is subject to reduction upon flexing of the highly impermeable
layer alone; and a non-textile layer attached to the highly
impermeable layer, the non-textile layer tending to mitigate the
reduction in the impermeability of the highly impermeable layer if
the laminate is flexed.
2. The protective laminate of claim 1 further comprising a second
non-textile layer, wherein the highly impermeable layer is
interposed between the non-textile layers.
3. The protective laminate of claim 1 further comprising a second
highly impermeable layer, wherein the non-textile layer is
interposed between the highly impermeable layers.
4. The protective laminate of claim 1 further comprising a textile
layer attached to the highly impermeable layer.
5. The protective laminate of claim 1 further comprising a textile
layer attached to the non-textile layer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to protective laminates.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Protective garments, e.g., garments used by emergency
workers, are generally made of fabrics that protect the wearer from
the conditions the wearer expects to encounter, e.g., heat and
flame in the case of firefighting garments. The fabrics used in
such garments are typically waterproof and allow water vapor to
pass from inside to outside the garment to provide comfort to the
wearer during periods of exertion. An example of a waterproof
breathable laminate produced from an expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene ("ePTFE") membrane is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,194,041. In this structure, the pores of the ePTFE are
protected by a hydrophilic polyurethane layer, to prevent the pores
of the ePTFE from becoming contaminated by lower surface energy
liquids. Lower surface energy liquids tend to wet out untreated
microporous structures, thereby reducing the hydrostatic resistance
of the membrane and corresponding laminate structure.
[0003] Fabrics for protective garments may include a textile layer
and a layer of a protective film that provides waterproofing. The
protective film may be, for example, a treated micro-porous film,
e.g., a film that has pores sized to permit vapor molecules to
pass, while blocking water molecules, but has its surface energy
modified to reduce its ability to wet out. Alternatively, the
protective film could be a monolithic layer produced from a
hydrophilic material such as polyurethane, nylon, or PEBAX
polymer.
[0004] In many applications, it is necessary that the fabric be
highly chemically resistant. For example, the Standard on
Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting published by the
National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 1971, 2000 Edition) require
the moisture barrier layer of fire fighting garments to resist
penetration by a list of chemicals in accordance with ASTM F903
(Standard Test Method for Resistance of Protective Clothing
Materials to Penetration by Liquids). Other applications, such as
military applications and hazardous waste clean-up, also require
high chemical resistance, but may not allow for effective transport
of moisture, leading to heat stress.
[0005] It is important that fabrics used in protective garments be
capable of withstanding laundering without loss of chemical
resistance or de-lamination of the protective film from the
textile.
SUMMARY
[0006] The inventors have found that certain chemically resistant
breathable films are relatively brittle and may fracture easily
when flexed under certain conditions. This brittleness may render
fabrics including such films subject to a decrease in chemical
impermeability after laundering, due to the impact of the wet
environment of laundering on the physical properties of the film.
Some chemically resistant breathable films are also subject to a
decrease in their impermeability as a result of flexing under dry
conditions. The inventors have addressed this problem by providing
protective laminates including a highly impermeable layer and a
non-textile layer that tends to mitigate the reduction in the
impermeability of the highly impermeable layer if the laminate is
flexed.
[0007] In one aspect, the invention features a protective laminate
that includes (a) a layer that is breathable, free-standing, and
highly impermeable to one or more chemicals to a degree that is
subject to reduction as a result of flexing of the highly
impermeable layer alone; and (b) a non-textile layer attached to
the highly impermeable layer, the non-textile layer tending to
mitigate the reduction in the impermeability of the highly
impermeable layer that is a result of flexing of the laminate.
[0008] The term "breathable," as used herein, refers to the
moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of a material. A breathable
film preferably has a MVTR of at least 200 g/m.sup.2/day, measured
by ASTM E96B.
[0009] The term "free-standing," as used herein, refers to a film
that has sufficient structural integrity to be separated and
tested, independently of external support, for its resistance to
flex fatigue and its chemical penetration resistance. The film
would also be capable of being attached to another film, for
example using a lamination process such as joining the two films
using an adhesive.
[0010] The phrase "highly impermeable to one or more chemicals," as
used herein, means that the layer would significantly inhibit the
flow of harmful chemicals from one side of the layer to the other.
Preferably, impermeability is sufficient to comply with the liquid
penetration resistance requirement associated with NFPA 1971, 2000
edition. Some highly impermeable layers may also comply with the
chemical penetration resistance test required by NFPA 1994, as
tested according to ASTM F739.
[0011] The phrase "subject to reduction upon flexing of the highly
impermeable layer alone," means that if the highly impermeable
layer is not attached to the support layer, the chemical resistance
of the highly impermeable layer will be deleteriously affected by
flexing the highly impermeable layer. In some cases, the reduction
in chemical resistance may occur after only a single flexing.
[0012] The term "non-textile" refers to a sheet material that is
not fibrous, and excludes, for example, woven and non-woven fibrous
sheet materials The phrase "mitigate the reduction in the
impermeability" means that the reduction in impermeability that
would occur upon flexing of the highly impermeable layer alone is
reduced to a measurable extent when the protective laminate is
tested, before and after repeated flexing, under the same
conditions using the same test procedure. Testing may be performed,
for example, using a Newark Flexing Machine according to the test
procedures specified in ASTM D2097, under the environmental
conditions specified in ASTM D1610.
[0013] The term "layer" refers to a discrete region of material,
which, unless otherwise noted (e.g., by specifying that the layer
is free-standing), may be in the form of a film, coating, deposit,
or any other desired form.
[0014] Some implementations include one or more of the following
features. The laminate may further include a second non-textile
layer, and the highly impermeable layer may be interposed between
the non-textile layers. Alternatively, the laminate may further
include a second highly impermeable layer, and the non-textile
layer may be interposed between the highly impermeable layers. The
laminate may further include a textile layer attached to the highly
impermeable layer or the non-textile layer, e.g., to form a
protective fabric. The protective laminate may have a MVT of at
least 200, preferably at least 2000. The layers may each
individually have a MVT of at least 200. The layers may each be
microporous or monolithic. The highly impermeable layer may have a
thickness of about 0.005 to about 0.050 mm. The non-textile layer
may have a thickness of about 0.005 to about 0.050 mm. The laminate
may further include an adhesive layer attaching the non-textile
layer to the highly impermeable layer. The adhesive layer may be
discontinuous. Alternatively, the non-textile layer may be bonded
directly to the highly impermeable layer, without intervening
adhesive. The non-textile layer may comprise a free-standing film,
for example a film selected from the group consisting of
polyurethane films, expanded PTFE films, polyester films, nylon
films, polyether block amide films, and polyethylene films. The
non-textile layer may be hydrophilic.
[0015] In another aspect, the invention features a method including
bonding a layer that is breathable, free-standing, and highly
impermeable to chemicals to a degree that is subject to reduction
upon flexing of the highly impermeable layer, to a non-textile
layer, the non-textile layer tending to mitigate the reduction in
the impermeability of the highly impermeable layer if the laminate
is flexed.
[0016] Some implementations may include one or more of the
following features. The bonding step may include applying an
adhesive to one or both layers. The adhesive may be applied in a
discontinuous pattern. The adhesive may be applied in a continuous
pattern using a hydrophilic polymer. The adhesive may be applied by
gravure printing. The bonding step may include thermally bonding
the non-textile layer directly to the highly impermeable layer.
[0017] In a further aspect, the invention features articles made
with the protective laminates. For example, the invention features
an article including: (a) a protective laminate that includes (i) a
layer that is breathable, free-standing, and highly impermeable to
chemicals to a degree that is subject to reduction upon flexing of
the highly impermeable layer alone; and (ii) a non-textile support
layer attached to the highly impermeable layer, the non-textile
layer tending to mitigate the reduction in the impermeability of
the highly impermeable layer if the laminate is flexed; and (b) a
textile layer, attached to the protective laminate to form a
chemically resistant fabric, the chemically resistant fabric being
configured to define the article.
[0018] The article may be, for example, a protective structure such
as a tent, a garment such as a jacket, pair of pants or glove, or
an insert for footwear.
[0019] Among the advantages of the invention may be one or more of
the following.
[0020] In some implementations, the protective laminates are
selectively permeable, i.e., they exhibit high moisture vapor
transmission rates, while also being able to restrict the passage
of harmful chemicals, even under conditions where a pressure
differential exists. The laminates may be attached to a textile
layer for use in articles such as protective garments, tents and
accessories that may be subjected to adverse conditions. Some
laminates, when attached to a textile layer, provide excellent
chemical resistance even after repeated launderings and/or other
flexing such as may occur during use of a garment. In some
implementations, fabrics including the protective laminate meet
NFPA standards for flame-retardancy and chemical resistance. The
laminates are waterproof and breathable. In some cases, the
laminates may meet the requirements of the chemical penetration
resistance test required by NFPA 1994, as tested according to ASTM
F739. The laminates can be produced repeatably and predictably. The
laminates are easily stored, shipped, and manipulated during
lamination to a textile layer. The barrier properties of the
laminate are maintained prior to lamination to a textile layer. In
certain applications, such as semi-durable and durable garments, it
is useful to achieve resistance to water penetration and provide
chemical resistance after multiple launderings. In military
applications, a minimum of 6 wash/dry cycles is typically
requested, whereas in the Fire Service the chemical penetration
testing is done after 5 wash/dry cycles complying with a procedure
specified in AATCC 135. Fabrics produced with some protective
laminates may protect the wearer of a garment or contents of a
protective structure from noxious gases, such as Sarin, Mustard,
and VX nerve agents and other noxious chemical agents. Fabrics
produced with some protective laminates may show no evidence of
penetration of a solution consisting of 75% diethyltoluamide (DEET)
and 25% ethanol before and after laundering when tested according
to paragraphs 4.4.2.6 and 4.4.14 of MIL-DTL-31011A.
[0021] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent
from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, highly enlarged exploded side view
of a protective fabric including a protective laminate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] A fabric 10, for use, e.g., in a protective garment, is
shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1. Fabric 10 includes a protective
laminate 12 and a textile layer 14. In this embodiment, protective
laminate 12 includes a barrier layer 16 interposed between two
support layers 18 and 20. While the layers of fabric 10 are
exploded in FIG. 1, for clarity, in the finished fabric all of the
layers would be attached to each other, e.g., by adhesive or
lamination as will be discussed below. Typically, one of the layers
of the protective laminate is attached to a textile, forming a
preliminary laminate, and then the other layers are applied to this
preliminary laminate. However, if desired all of the layers can be
laminated together in a single processing step or in a different
order of steps.
[0024] Barrier layer 16 is a free-standing film prior to being
attached to the support layers. Suitable barrier layers are highly
impermeable to chemicals. It is generally preferred that the
barrier layer comply with the liquid penetration resistance
requirement associated with NFPA 1971, 2000 edition.
[0025] Suitable barrier layers may be relatively brittle, and thus
tend to exhibit a reduction in chemical impermeability when flexed,
as discussed above. For example, the barrier layer, when tested
alone, may exhibit visually observable cracking after 50 to 500
cycles using a Newark Flex Tester according to the test procedure
specified in ASTM D2097, under the environmental conditions
specified in ASTM D1610. The barrier layer typically has a
thickness of less than about 0.05 mm, e.g., from about 0.005 to
0.050 mm.
[0026] Suitable barrier films are breathable, i.e., they have an
MVTR of at least 200 g/m.sup.2/day, measured by ASTM E96B. In some
implementations, the barrier layer has an MVTR of from about 200 to
5000. The barrier layer may be monolithic or microporous.
[0027] One suitable barrier layer is a polyether sulfone (PES) film
that is treated with a fluoropolymer to modify its surface energy,
commercially available from Pall Corp. under the tradename SUPOR.
Another suitable barrier layer is commercially available from
DuPont under the tradename NAFION. This barrier layer is a
perfluorosulfonic acid film (tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro
(4-methyl-3,6-dioxa-7-octene-1-sulfonic acid) copolymer), CAS
Number 31175-20-9. The NAFION films have a tensile modulus (ASTM D
882) at 23.degree. C. and 50% RH of about 249 MPa, a tensile
modulus at 23.degree. C. when water soaked of about 114 MPa, and a
tensile modulus at 100.degree. C. when water soaked of about 64
MPa. The elongation at break (ASTM D 882) shows a similar decrease
when the films are water soaked. The NAFION films exhibit an
elongation at break at 23.degree. C. and 50% RH of about 225% in
the machine direction and 310% in the transverse (cross-machine)
direction, an elongation at break at 23.degree. C. when water
soaked of about 200% in the machine direction and 275% in the
transverse direction, and an elongation at break at 100.degree. C.
when water soaked of about 180% in the machine direction and 240%
in the transverse direction. Other properties of the NAFION films
include an MVTR of about 4000 g/m.sup.2/day, a basis weight of
about 100 to 500 g/m.sup.2, and a thickness of about 50 to 250
microns.
[0028] The support layers 18 and 20 may be the same or different.
One or the other of the support layers may be omitted. Thus, the
protective laminate may include only inner support layer 18,
leaving barrier layer 16 exposed (i.e., the fabric 10 includes an
inner support layer 18 interposed between a barrier layer 16 and a
textile layer 14), or the protective laminate may include only
outer support layer 20, so that the barrier layer 16 is in direct
contact with the textile layer 14 in the finished fabric (i.e., the
fabric 10 includes a barrier layer 16 interposed between an outer
support layer 20 and a textile layer 14). Other configurations may
also be possible.
[0029] Suitable materials for use in the support layer(s) include
films and other materials that will mitigate the reduction in
chemical impermeability of the barrier layer when the protective
laminate is flexed. Preferred support layer materials will
substantially eliminate the reduction in impermeability over a
large number of flex cycles, i.e., will mitigate the reduction in
impermeabilty sufficiently so that the protective laminate will
still pass the liquid penetration resistance requirement associated
with NFPA 1971, 2000 edition even after repeated flexing. In some
implementations, the support layer may increase the number of flex
cycles prior to visually observable cracking by over 100%. The use
of support layers on both sides of the barrier layer may increase
the number of flex cycles by over 500%, in some cases by over
1000%.
[0030] The support layer typically has a thickness of less than
about 0.07 mm, e.g., from about 0.005 to 0.050 mm.
[0031] Suitable materials for use as support layers are breathable,
i.e., have an MVTR of at least 200 g/m.sup.2/day, measured by ASTM
E96B. It is generally preferred that the breathability of the
support layer be similar to or greater than that of the barrier
layer. Thus, the breathability of the support layer is generally in
the range of about 200 to 5000. If desired, the layers of the
laminate may have different levels of breathability, provided the
overall breathability of the laminate is adequate for its intended
use. The support layer may be monolithic or microporous, and may be
a film or other continuous or discontinuous sheet material. When
the protective laminate includes two support layers, as shown in
FIG. 1, one can be monolithic and the other can be microporous, or
both can be monolithic or microporous.
[0032] An example of a suitable film is TX1540 film, commercially
available from Omniflex under the tradename TRANSPORT. This film is
a hydrophilic polyurethane, having a 100% modulus of about 550-650
psi and a thickness of about 0.0005-0.025 mm.
[0033] Other suitable films for use as support layers include other
hydrophilic polyurethane films, e.g., TX1530 film, commercially
available from Omniflex; microporous polyurethane, e.g., P3 series
films commercially available from Porvair; expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), e.g., ePTFE films commercially
available from W. L. Gore, Tetratec and BHA; hydrophilic
co-polyester films, e.g., SYMPATEX films from Sympatex Technologies
and HYTREL films from DuPont; nylon films, e.g., TX3050 films
commercially available from Omniflex; polyether block amide films,
e.g., TX4100 films commercially available from Omniflex and films
formed from PEBAX resins (Atofina); and microporous polyethylene
films. Other suitable hydrophilic polyurethane films include films
formed from 58245 resin, commercially available from Noveon.
[0034] In most cases, the support layer will have a lesser degree
of chemical impermeability to certain chemicals than the barrier
layer. In such cases, the support layer may not, by itself, have
adequate chemical impermeability for use in the application for
which the protective laminate is intended.
[0035] The textile layer may be any desired textile, including
woven, knitted and nonwoven materials and composites of such
materials. The textile may be selected based on the properties
required for a given application, e.g., flame and/or heat
resistance, thermal properties, comfort, weight, and moisture vapor
transmissivity. Suitable textiles include 332N NOMEX fabric,
available from Southern Mills, NYCO fabric, available in a
camouflage print from Bradford Dye, and 70d taslanized nylon. Other
suitable textiles include nonwovens such as VILENE nonwoven,
commercially available from Freudenberg, and E89 nonwoven,
commercially available from DuPont. The textile layer generally has
a thickness of from about 0.1 to 1.0 mm. The textile layer
generally does not contribute significantly to the mitigation of
the loss of chemical impermeability of the barrier layer, but does
frequently offer physical protection against abrasion tear and
puncture.
[0036] The fabric 10 (textile layer and protective laminate) will
typically have an MVTR of at least 200 g/m.sup.2/day as measured by
ASTM E96B. In some implementations, the MVTR will be from about 200
to 5000 g/m.sup.2/day, e.g., from about 1000 to 3000 g/m.sup.2/day.
The fabric 10 will generally comply with the liquid penetration
resistance requirement associated with NFPA 1971, 2000 edition, and
with other industry standards regarding impermeability, for example
chemical penetration after laundering according to the laundering
procedure specified in AATCC 135.
[0037] Various techniques may be used to join the layers of the
protective laminate, and to join the protective laminate to the
textile layer. For example, the support layer(s) may be bonded to
the barrier layer using an adhesive, such as a solvent based
crosslinking polyurethane adhesive, a reactive hot
melt-polyurethane adhesive, or a thermoplastic adhesive, e.g., a
thermoplastic polyester, polyurethane, nylon or olefinic adhesive
supplied, for example, as a hot melt, film, or powder- or web-based
system.
[0038] The adhesive may be applied as a discontinuous layer to one
or both of the layers to be adhered, e.g., using direct gravure
printing. The discontinuous adhesive may be applied in any desired
pattern, e.g., lines, dots, polygons, or other shapes. Suitable
methods for applying an adhesive in a discontinuous pattern are
described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,140, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference herein.
[0039] Alternatively, the layers may be thermally fused or pressure
laminated, without any intervening adhesive. The process parameters
for this operation will vary depending on the materials used for
the support and barrier layers, and would be selected to provide
good adhesion without significant damage or deterioration of any of
the layers.
[0040] The following examples are intended to be illustrative and
not limiting in effect.
EXAMPLE 1
[0041] A protective laminate was formed using a multi-pass process,
as follows:
[0042] Pass 1: A barrier film (0.019 mm perfluorosulfonic acid,
commercially available from Dupont under the tradename NAFION) was
laminated to a woven textile layer known in the trade as NYCO and
manufactured from a blend of cotton, nylon and a small percentage
of carbon fiber. The film was printed with a solvent-based
crosslinking polyurethane adhesive system having a viscosity of
15,000 to 25,000 cps on a gravure applicator with a discontinuous
dot pattern. The film and textile layer were combined in a nip at a
processing speed of 10 to 20 yards per minute. The adhesive was
then allowed to cure for a few days.
[0043] Pass 2: The film side of the barrier/textile laminate
created in Pass 1 was printed with adhesive as described above in
Pass 1, and the barrier/textile laminate was combined with a
support layer (a 0.005 mm hydrophilic polyurethane film having a
Shore hardness of 80A and a 100% modulus of 550-650 psi,
commercially available from Omniflex under the tradename Transport
TX1540) at a processing speed of 10 to 20 yards per minute.
EXAMPLE 2
[0044] A laminate was made as discussed in Example 1 above, except
that in Pass 1 the barrier film used was a polyether sulfone (PES)
film that is treated with a fluoropolymer to modify its surface
energy, commercially available from Pall Corp. under the tradename
SUPOR.
EXAMPLE 3
[0045] To test the effect of providing a support layer on the
flexural properties of barrier layers, the support layer described
above in Example 1 was laminated to one side and to both sides of
the barrier films described in Examples 1 and 2. The textile layer
was omitted.
[0046] These laminates were flex tested through multiple flexing
cycles using a Newark Flexing Machine according to the procedure
specified in ASTM D2097, under the ambient conditions specified in
ASTM D1610. As a control, the two barrier layers were individually
subjected to the same testing. The samples were observed visually,
and were deemed to have failed on the cycle at which the first
visually observable cracking occurred.
[0047] The results of this testing were as follows: the NAFION
barrier layer alone withstood 87 cycles, while the PES barrier
layer alone withstood 394 cycles. Adding a single support layer
increased the number of cycles before failure by 887% and 33%,
respectively. Adding support layers on both sides of the barrier
film increased the number of cycles before failure by 1817% and
599%, respectively.
[0048] A number of embodiments of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0049] For example, while the support layer has been described
above as a film, in some cases the support layer may be a coating.
The coating may be formed by applying a liquid directly to the
barrier layer, or by casting the liquid onto a release surface and
then transferring the cast coating from the release surface to the
barrier layer. The liquid may be a polymeric solution. For example,
a polymer such as a thermoplastic polyurethane, e.g., polymers
commercially available from Noveon under the designations 58245 or
58237, may be solvated and the solution may be cast and transferred
as described above. Suitable coatings include, for example,
hydrophilic polyurethane systems, such as the HYPOL series
available from Dow Chemical or COMFORTEX 52158, available from
Raffi & Swanson. The typical application weight is generally
from about 0.2 oz/sq.yd. to 1.0 oz/sq.yd.
[0050] Moreover, in addition to the arrangements discussed above
(support layers on one or both sides of a single barrier layer)
other arrangements are possible. For example, a single support
layer can be interposed between two barrier layers, e.g., if it is
desirable to protect the support layer from exposure to chemicals.
One or more additional support and/or barrier layers may be
included in any of these arrangements. Also, while a single textile
layer is shown in FIG. 1 and described above, the fabric may
include multiple textile layers on a single side of the protective
laminate, or the protective laminate may be interposed between
multiple textile layers.
[0051] The resulting fabric can be used in any desired manner. For
example, the fabric can be cut according to a pattern, and the
patterned pieces can then be sewn to form a garment. The fabrics
are suitable for use in protective garments. In some
implementations, the fabrics are suitable for use in garments for
applications such as firefighting, hazardous waste cleanup, and
environmental remediation.
[0052] Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *