A new protocol to characterize thermal protective performance of fabrics against hot liquid splash

A hot liquid splash tester and a protocol were developed to investigate the thermal protective performance and impact penetration performance of fabrics used in protective clothing. The instrument developed could be used to characterize penetration resistance and thermal protection against hot liquid splash. Different liquids were employed to explore the effect of liquid properties on penetration performance and thermal protection. The correlation between penetration and thermal protection was discussed. The results showed that liquid viscosity and fabric surface property determined the impact penetration. Impermeable fabrics showed better protection than permeable fabrics. Increasing penetration resistance improved thermal protection of a permeable fabric. Liquid thermal diffusivity, mass transfer rate and total amount affected heat transfer through the fabric to skin simulant. The findings will provide technical data to improve protective material performance and modify test standard.

► A new protocol to evaluate performance upon hot liquid splash was proposed.
► The mechanism associated with heat and mass transfer was discussed.
► Liquid viscosity and fabric surface energy determined the impact penetration.
► Minimizing mass transfer was critical to improve thermal protective performance.
► Liquid thermal diffusivity, mass transfer rate and amount affected heat transfer.