Characteristics Of Cotton Fabrics

Unlike synthetic materials, cotton has excellent air permeability and moisture transmission. It is not subject to static build-up and there is no uncomfortable clinging to the wearers skin. This is advantageous in high temparature conditions and when garments are worn for extended periods of time. Superior comfort is achieved by allowing the body to breath naturally. Knitted PROBAN� fabrics are available in lighter weights and in a number of flexible constructions.

Durability Entrapped within the fibre

Since it was first developed in the 1950's, the PROBAN� process has been subject to continuous improvement by Albright & Wilson. During treatment, the PROBAN� chemical is implanted deep inside the cotton fibres. It is then processed to form an inert cross-linked polymer which is physically entrapped within the cotton itself.

It is this PROBAN� polymer that gives the fabric its flame retardant performance; and as PROBAN� does not react chemically with the cotton fibres, the natural and physical properties of the fabric remain unaffected.

The PROBAN� polymer trapped inside the cotton fibres cannot be removed by washing or dry cleaning, but flame retardant performance may be masked by excessive soiling or soap deposits. Recommended care instructions should be followed to ensure the flame retardant performance lasts for the life of the garment. Chlorine bleaches should never be used during the cleaning process.

When flame comes into contact with PROBAN� treated cotton, an insulating char is formed and there is no melting, smouldering or after glow. Unlike synthetics, cotton does not melt away from a flame to form a hole, nor does it form a hot sticky residue which can adhere to the skin of the wearer causing burn injury. In foundry and furnace operations, appropriately constructed PROBAN� garments, help to protect the wearer against burn injuries arising from splash by most molten metals (except aluminium and magnesium). PROBAN� cotton eliminates the risk of ignition from sparks or flame in welding or cutting operations. The flame retardant properties of PROBAN� knitted cotton make it the most appropriate fabric in industries where there is a risk of spillage and ignition of flammable liquids.

The PROBAN� quality control function is ISO 9002 and EN 45001 accredited. The Albright & Wilson testing laboratory is one of the most sophisticated in the industry. As the liscensed PROBAN� finisher, we are required to submit samples of all PROBAN� production batches to the designated laboratory of Albright & Wilson Limited.

Here they are assessed for flame retardant performance against the appropriate standard. Only when a batch meets the standard, is a test certificate issued together with a supply of the appropriate number of sew-in PROBAN� labels which state the flammability performance standard of the fabric. PROBAN� workwear fabrics are manufactured to meet all internationally recognised standards for protection against flame spread and the PROBAN� label is the wearer's assurance of PROBAN� protection.

To maintain quality and performance levels of your flame retardant garments, it is imperative the manufacturer's care instructions are adhered to. This will ensure PROBAN� protection for the life of the garment.

Since the introduction of the PROBAN� process, Albright & Wilson have commissioned extensive testing of PROBAN� finished fabrics to make sure they meet the ever increasing health and safety demands of society. Following is a detailed look at the program of testing to which PROBAN� fabrics have been subjected, by both independant testing organisations and Albright & Wilson Limited.

	Leeds University conducted the Human Repeat Insult Patch Test on 256 volunteers wearing PROBAN� finished fabrics. This test subjects human volunteers to direct contact with fabrics for various lengths of time. No single case of skin irritation was found.
	Doctor Martin Scott used PROBAN� finished fabric to perform the Human Repeat Insult Patch Test on 100 children. He also tested children having a typical infantile eczema, where an external contact was suspected as the cause. Both studies gave a result of no adverse skin reaction.
	Huntington Research Centre conducted a Dermal Irritation Study on PROBAN� finished fabrics. All tests indicated the fabrics were non-irritant to the skin.
	Albright & Wilson subjected 38 volunteers to the Human Repeat Insult Patch Test for fabrics both before and after laundering. No case of skin irritation was recorded.

Although PROBAN� finished fabric is unlikely to be taken internally, Albright & Wilson have taken the precaution of testing for the toxicological and environmental impact of PROBAN� polymer. The results of tests carried out by the Huntington Research Centre on PROBAN� polymer extracted from finished fabric are displayed in the following table.