Aluminized cloth

Aluminized cloth is a material designed to reflect thermal radiation. Applications include fire proximity suits,^[2] emergency space blankets,^[3] protection in molten metal handling,^[4][5] and insulation for building and containers.^[6]

Aluminized skin fabric from the Spirit of St. Louis.^[1]

Aluminium powder was added to aircraft dope which was then used to give a shiny finish to fabric-covered aircraft, so protecting them from sunlight. The Hindenburg airship was treated in this way and it has been suggested that the aluminium powder made the skin more combustible and so caused or contributed to the Hindenburg disaster. This theory is controversial and experiments have been conducted to test the hypothesis.^[7]

See also

• Reflectivity
• Thermal insulation
• MythBusters (2007 season)#Hindenburg Mystery

References

1. John Noble Wilford (May 21, 2002), "Man and Craft Were One, As a New Age Began", New York Times
2. Wren, J. E.; Scott, W. D.; Bates, C. E. (1977). "Thermal and mechanical properties of aluminized fabrics for use in ferrous metal handling operations". American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 38 (11): 603–612. doi:10.1080/00028897708984404. PMID 930809.
3. Nourse, Alan Edward (1973). Ladies' Home Journal Family Medical Guide. Harper & Row. p. 138. ISBN 9780060132231.
4. Wren, James E.; Scott, William D.; Bates, Charles E. (1977). "Thermal and mechanical properties of aluminized fabrics for use in ferrous metal handling operations". American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 38 (11): 603–612. doi:10.1080/00028897708984404. PMID 930809.
5. Barker, Roger L.; Muzaffer Yener (1981). "Evaluating the Resistance of Some Protective Fabrics to Molten Iron". Textile Research Journal. 51 (8): 533–541. doi:10.1177/004051758105100807.
6. Stogryn, A.; Desargant, G. (1985). "The dielectric properties of brine in sea ice at microwave frequencies". IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. 33 (5): 523. doi:10.1109/TAP.1985.1143610.
7. Myths about the Hindenburg Crash