CARBONACEOUS FIBERS FOR FIRE-RETARDANT INSULATION

A technology for the production of permanently bulked carbonaceous fibers and bulked carbon fibers for use in fire-blocking and fire-retardant applications has been developed. As little as 15% by weight of the curly fiber in polyester batting will render the mixed batting self-extinguishing at 0.8 lb/ft3. We expect that these high-technology fibers will find their own commercial end uses, including aircraft insulation and fire-retardant panels, and as a fire-retardant replacement for down.