Analysis of Hydrothermal Aging Water of Fire-Protective Fabrics Using GC x GC-TOFMS and FID

Many characteristics contribute to the effectiveness of textile products. For fire-protective fabrics, maintaining the physical integrity and protective properties over time is incredibly important. This fabric integrity can be affected as a result of chemical changes resulting from exposure to service conditions, for example water splashes and immersion. This study investigates the chemical components that were found in the hydrothermal aging water of 11 fire-protective fabrics subjected to water immersion at 90 degrees C for up to 50 days. Two techniques based on two-dimensional gas chromatography were used. Two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC x GC-TOFMS) was employed for comprehensive non-targeted qualitative analysis (NTA) while the quantification of compounds was performed with two-dimensional gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC x GC-FID). A total of 276 unique compounds of interest were identified in the aging water of the fabrics. Several of them were successfully traced to their purpose in textile manufacturing and would indicate the decomposition of the high-performance fibers making the fabrics, leaching of dyes and pigments, and/or degradation of the fabric finish. The knowledge generated during this study, both in terms of the extraction and analysis protocol and evidence of the degradation processes, is invaluable information for advancing the understanding of the aging of fire-protective fabrics and enhancing the safety of firefighters and others exposed to heat and flame.