This book draws together scientific and technical expertise from around the world, producing an important source of current knowledge on textile materials and clothing, and their use in the protection of humans in various hostile environments. It opens with an overview of personal protection, followed by in-depth coverage of materials and design issues, including the manufacture of yarns and fabrics, intelligent textiles, and the factors affecting the design and use of protective clothing. Part two addresses general protection requirements and applications in various contexts, including thermal, respiratory, microorganism, and ballistic protection. The book closes with several case studies.

From the Introduction: “...The late 20th century saw an unprecedented increase in emphasis on protection of the human form from occupational and recreational hazards...The range of hazards and the means of combating them continue to grow and become ever more complex. A consequence of this is the development and exploitation of new textile fibres, structures, and clothing systems whose purpose is to provide improved protection, whilst maintaining comfort, efficiency and well-being. The contents of this book cover the major approaches and applications of protective textiles in the present day and for the future...”

Target Audience: Textiles and fabrics engineers, designers, and scientists who are involved in developing protective clothing.

Table of Contents:

Materials and Design:

Overview of Protective Clothing

Standards for Protective Textiles

Fashion and Function — Factors Affecting the Design and Use of Protective Clothing

Steps in the Selection of Protective Clothing Materials

Fibres and Fabrics for Protective Textiles

Technical Textiles for Protection

Intelligent Textiles for Protection

Surface Treatments for Protective Textiles

Evaluation of Protective Clothing Systems Using Manikins

Interactions Between Protection and Thermal Comfort

Modeling Thermal Burn Injury Protection

General Protection and Protection of Industrial Workers from Chemicals:

Civilian Protection and Protection of Industrial Workers from Chemicals

Textiles for UV Protection

Textiles for Protection Against Cold

Thermal (Heat and Fire) Protection

Microorganism Protection

Textiles for Respiratory Protection

Electrostatic Protection

Ballistic Protection

Chemical and Biological Protection

Case Studies:

Military Protection

Firefighters' Protective Clothing

Protection Against Knives and Other Weapons

Flight Suits for Military Aviators

Protection for Workers in the Oil and Gas Industries

Motorcyclists

Index