This paper is based on an effort to increase the protection from thermal and flash/flame threats due to explosion. The relatively recent threat of Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, the large thermal energy associated with them, as well as the secondary fires has prompted an investigation into whether the personal protective equipment available to the individual soldier provides adequate protection from injury. This is a continuation of a previous paper that investigated the full extent of the threat posed by explosions. The research included a profile of the thermal properties of the threat, typical injuries associated with explosions, as well as several possible means of alleviating the dangers. One means that was suggested was the use of intumescent materials. These are materials that expand when exposed to heat, thus increasing the distance between the threat and the person as well as altering their thermal conductivity to make them more resistant to burn. Using this suggestion, in this paper we seek to determine the feasibility of using these materials in a protective garment. It factors in soldier concerns of durability, comfort, et cetera but focuses mainly on the heat transfer aspects of the material.
Boehmite Nanofiber-Reinforced Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Macroporous Monoliths for Heat/Flame Protection