Flame retardant fabrics are made from a variety of substances. In some cases, they contain additional components, such as UV stabilizers, anti-microbial agents, bleaching agents, and nanoparticles. After they are made into yarns, they may also include dyes, soil repellants, and water repellants. These substances can also be added after the fibers have been formed, in order to further enhance the fire-retardant properties.

The main distinction between fire retardant fabrics and non-flame-retardant fabrics is whether they are natural or chemically treated. In many cases, flame-retardant fibers are inherently resistant to fire. These are made from synthetic polymers with chemical structures that make them resistant to heat. In other cases, fire-retardant fabrics are manufactured from materials that have been treated with chemicals and cannot be removed by washing.

A flame-retardant fabric can be made from natural fibers, synthetic materials, or combinations of them. The textile fibers are treated with a chemical that inhibits the growth of flames. The chemicals react with gasses released during a fire to convert them to char carbon. This makes them more resistant than conventional fabrics. Flame-retardant fabrics are more expensive than non-flame-retardant fabrics, but are still a better choice.

The most flame-retardant natural fibers are wool and silk. Both fibers burn slowly and do not catch fire easily. Many synthetic fabrics are made specifically to be flame-retardant. The main difference between natural and non-flame-retardant fabric is that the former catches fire at higher temperatures than natural fibers, and the latter merely melts. They are therefore not suitable for use on clothing or upholstery.

Durable fire-retardant fabrics are made of synthetic fibers. These materials are impervious to flame and washable. Unlike fabric treated with chemicals, durable fire-retardant fibers do not need to be treated in any way. Flame-resistant materials are essential for industrial applications. These fabrics are typically very expensive and cannot be purchased in the regular market. However, if you do not want to buy them, you can also opt for inherently flame-retardant fabrics.

Another important factor is the durability of the flame-retardant fabric. Many people prefer flame-resistant fabrics over non-flame-retardant materials. However, the difference is minimal in cost and convenience. While flame-resistant fabrics are more expensive to make, these fabrics are generally made of non-flammable fibers. This makes them a more affordable choice. If you're shopping for flame-resistant fabrics, check the labels to ensure the ones you're interested in.