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No, not even completely air-tight.
Similar in weave, different in material, coating, etc.
Will melt, should not burn.
Probably - would depend on national aviation rules, if any.
French seams, I think - each piece folds into the seam, needle pierces 4 layers of fabric.
To start at the beginning, hot air balloon fabric should:
be light contain hot air well contain heat well be strong in inflation and flight be durable - resist wear in inflation, deflation, storage be reasonably easy to join during construction and repair be inexpensive
Nylon fabric is light and fairly inexpensive, and the ripstop weave tends to stop small rips or tears from spreading a long distance rapidly.
The fabric is compressed or 'calendared' between rollers to reduce porosity and help keep the hot air molecules from leaking out.
The fabric is coated to help make the nylon durable and strong, and to reduce the heat transfer from inside to outside.
With appropriate thread and sewing equipment, the fabric can be joined with well-understood and widespread technology.
Balloons could and have been made of other materials - if one is doing a 'use once' balloon for weather measurements, or for a round-the-world flight, a less durable material could be chosen (one inflation, no deflations).
Natural fabric could be used - and is more durable, but is usually heavier.
happy landings,
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