| abstract |
Seaming tape made up of a composite multilayer material of specified composition is used to form bonded seams between pieces of composite chemical barrier fabrics. The tape includes a base multilayer material made up of a stacked, laminated array including an outside layer of ethylene vinyl acetate and successive layers of polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, and chlorinated polyethylene. Tape of this composition may be bonded to a variety of polymeric materials and provides an effective seam for some applications. A second multilayer film sheet bonded to the base sheet provides a more effective seam for forming a barrier to a wide spectrum of chemicals. The second film sheet includes an interior layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol sandwiched between layers of nylon or polyethylene. To form a bonded seam, the tape is placed over an interface between pieces of fabric and is bonded by application of heat and pressure, with the barrier fabric first being stitched together if desired to provide a more durable seam. The seaming tape and method are particularly useful for seaming of composite multilayer chemical barrier fabrics. A highly effective and durable seam is obtained by use of the invention. |