Is wool flame resistant?

What is Wool?

Wool is a natural fiber that is derived from the fleece of sheep. It is known for its softness, warmth, and durability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of products. Wool is also naturally flame resistant, which sets it apart from many other fibers.

The Flame Resistance of Wool

One of the key properties of wool that makes it flame resistant is its high moisture content. Wool fibers are able to absorb moisture from the air, which helps to prevent them from catching fire easily. Additionally, wool fibers are made up of protein molecules that contain a high amount of nitrogen. When wool is exposed to a flame, the nitrogen in the fibers acts as a natural flame retardant, making it difficult for the wool to ignite.

Wool also has a high ignition temperature, meaning that it requires a higher temperature to catch fire compared to other fibers. This makes wool a safer choice for clothing and textiles, as it is less likely to ignite in the event of a fire.

Testing Wool for Flame Resistance

To determine the flame resistance of wool, it is often subjected to standardized tests such as the ASTM D1230 test. This test measures the flame resistance of textiles by exposing them to a controlled flame and observing their reaction. Wool consistently performs well in these tests, further confirming its flame-resistant properties.

The other natural flame resistant fabric is seaweed fabric. While wool is more suitable for making flame resistant sweaters amd blankets, seaweed fabric is better for making t-shirts or sleepwear.