
Apparels ignite and burn when exposed to ignition sources such as electric arcs or flames. Everyday garments and furnishings continue to burn until the fire is extinguished or all flammable materials are consumed. Flame resistant fabrics are chemically engineered to resist ignition, prevent flames from spreading to the immediate area of high heat impingement and self-extinguish immediately upon removal of the ignition source. Most flame resistant fabrics are inherently flame resistant, treated flame resistant or blends. Inherently flame resistant fabrics possess flame resistant properties that are naturally part of the fibers. On the other hand, treated flame resistant fabrics are coated with flame resistant chemicals. Blends, also known as hybrids, are a combination of treated and inherently flame resistant fibers. MHP and Tecasafe are blends of different fibers and posses properties of synthetic and natural fibers. Flame resistant fabrics are manufactured from synthetic fibers or natural fibers. Synthetic fibers (polyester, aramid and acrylic) are derived from petroleum and natural fibers (wool, cotton and silk) that are obtained from plants and animals.