Treated flame retardants are chemicals that are applied to the surface of the textile material in order to make it more resistant to fire. These chemicals can be applied through various methods such as coating, impregnating, or spraying. The chemicals work by releasing gases or creating a barrier that prevents the spread of fire. The gases released by the chemicals help to cool the surface of the material, which slows down the rate of combustion, while the barrier created by the chemicals prevents the fire from reaching the interior of the material, which limits the amount of fuel available for the fire to burn.
Inherent flame retardant technical textiles, on the other hand, are materials that are naturally resistant to fire and do not require any additional treatment. These materials are made from fibers that are inherently flame-resistant, such as fiberglass, aramid, and some types of polyester and nylon. These materials are able to resist fire because of their chemical composition and high melting points. They do not release gases or create a barrier like treated flame retardants do, but they instead create a char layer that protects the inside of the material from the fire, and this char layer can also insulate the material, slowing down the fire.
Inherent flame retardants are considered to be more effective than treated flame retardants because they do not require additional processing steps and they are often more durable and long-lasting. Also, treated flame retardants can lose their effectiveness over time or can be washed or worn off, while inherent flame retardants remain effective throughout the life of the product.
