Layered reflecting and photoluminous fire resistant material

Abstract

Flexible, fire resistant, layered reflecting and photoluminous material is provided which combines the advantages of a light reflective component and a luminescent component in a fire resistant structure which meets National Fire Protection Association standards for inclusion in firefighter's protective clothing. The material includes a first layer of microspherical glass bead or prismatic light reflective plastic material having an underlying surface formed with a plurality of minute prism-like formations projecting therefrom at regular spaced intervals and an overlying substantially smooth light transmissive surface; a second layer containing a homogeneous blend of a resin containing effective amounts of fire retardant, photoluminescent and, optionally luminescent additives; and a third layer which is a fire retardant fabric. The layers are joined at a first region such that the prism-like formations are substantially disabled or destroyed. A second region is thereby defined at which the first, second and third layers are physically distinct. In the second region, the layered material simultaneously radiates phosphorescent and reflected light from the prism-like formations through the smooth light transmissive surface of the first layer. Only phosphorescent light radiates from the first region.