Creation of a novel flame

Principal investigator: Leigh Anne Krauser 

Co-PI: Brian George

University: Thomas Jefferson University

Industry partner: NorFab

Recently, NASA identified a critical need for new flame-resistant textile products for intravehicular applications including sleeping bags, cargo transfer bags, and acoustic panels. These products would be used for their Artemis Program and future space exploration. Many FR materials previously used for these applications are no longer commercially available due to company closures or product removal from the marketplace. Faculty from Thomas Jefferson University and employees from NorFab will collaborate to develop and evaluate yarns and fabrics using emerging or underutilized raw materials meeting the needs of NASA. This academia-industry partnership will allow for initial samples to be made at the university, scaled up at NorFab, and evaluated at the university and NorFab. Successful completion of yarns and fabrics for these applications will allow NorFab to successfully enter a new protective textile marketplace while providing TJU students with product development experience.