In this study, the mechanical properties critical to the protective performance of firefighter turnout gear were evaluated in environmentally stressed outer shell (OS) fabrics containing melamine fiber blends. Environmental stress factors that affect the durability of turnout gear include temperature, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, moisture, abrasion, and laundering. The effect of fiber blend, fabric construction, and finishing processes including water repellent coatings and pigmented melamine- containing OS fabrics were also studied. Melamine-containing OS fabrics show comparable thermal protective performance and have superior tear resistance when compared to the traditionally used polyaramid blends.
