FLAME RESISTANT FABRICS
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Manufacturers will tag their FR (fire resistant) garments with the name, fabric information, and the standards they meet.
A large range of FR fabrics available. The following is a list of commonly used FR fabrics with an explanation of their properties. Many SFI & FIA manufacturers will combine these materials achieving a proprietary fabric that complies with these standards, while optimizing driver comfort, fit, safety and performance.
PURPLE INDICATES THE FABRICS/THREADS THAT ARE CURRENTLY APPLIED IN AUTO RACING UNDERWEAR BY THE MAJOR BANDS.
Comfort Blend® is a Nomex® IIIA/FR Rayon Blend that is widely used in protecting against flash fires and electric arcs in such industries as petrochemical and utilities. The unique fabric blend is also typically 85% of the cost of the standard NOMEX® IIIA fabrics, making it a popular choice for companies looking for cost effective FR clothing solutions.
Cool Touch is a South Mills trademark for a 65% Nomex, 35% FR viscose Rayon blend. Cool Touch was developed as an effort to address the "too hot" and "not comfortable" aspects of Nomex IIIa. Cool Touch blends are available in 4.5 oz. woven only.
Cool Touch® 2 is a 7 oz. HRC 2 inherently flame-resistant fabric that provides comfortable, durable and affordable protection
FireWear® A trademark for a FR 55% (Fibrous Flame Retardant Fiber) and 45% combed cotton blend. It is inherently flame resistant.
Excel-FR is a Bulwark trademark for FR 100% cotton fabrics.
Excel-FR Comfortouch is a Bulwark trademark for 88% cotton, 12% high tenacity nylon fabrics.
Indura trademark for FR 100% cotton fabrics made flame resistant through an ammonia cure process. The process has only a minor effect on the positive characteristics of cotton (soft hand, wear, breathability and shrinkage).
Indura UltraSoft trademark for an 88% Cotton/12% High Tenacity Nylon blend made flame-resistant through an ammonia cure process. UltraSoft is available in woven fabrics in a variety of colors.
Lenzing FR® is a specialty viscose fiber. The fiber, which is made of a natural raw material, has a flame retardant substance incorporated throughout the cross section of the fiber. As well as being eco-friendly, the latter also ensures permanent protection. Lenzing FR® keeps the body dry and cool and offers protection from all kinds of heat: fire, radiant heat, electric arcs, molten metals and flash fires. https://www.lenzingindustrial.com/Application/protective-wear
Modacrylic is a synthetic copolymer fabric similar to acrylic but it is flame retardant. The fibers are difficult to ignite and will self-extinguish. In addition to a modacrylic's flame retardant properties it has a relatively high durability that is comparable to wool. Modacrylic is soft, warm, resilient and will not wrinkle.
Nomex® is a Dupont trademarked flame-resistant meta-aramid fiber that is similar to nylon but is more ridged and durable. It has excellent thermal, chemical and radiation resistance.
Nomex IIIa is 93% Nomex, 5% Kevlar and 2% static dissipative fiber fabric. It is inherently flame resistant. Nomex IIIa was the FR Industry Standard, but is being replaced by fabrics and blends that offer similar protection and superior comfort characteristics.
Polartec® Power Dry® FR performance features combine both permanent moisture management with permanent flame resistance. Featuring Polartec® patented bi-component knit construction that uses different yarns
Polartec® Power Stretch® FR offers superior flame resistance without sacrificing standard Power Stretch® performance features of moisture wicking, 4-way stretch and comfort. These lightweight fabrics do not restrict the movement of body moisture vapor, providing all day comfort and breathability.Polartec® Thermal FR® combines the performance properties of Polartec® Classic 200 fabric with permanent flame resistance properties. Like other Polartec® fabrics, the velour construction of Polartec® Thermal FR® creates air pockets that trap air and retain body heat.
Protera® is one of the lightest weight NFPA 70E Category 2 technologies on the market today, and can stand up to more washes than FR cotton nylon blends of similar weight. Made by DuPont it is a blend of 33% Nomex® and Kevlar®, 65% Modacrylic and 2% Antistatic.
Reliant is an inherently flame-resistant blend of 55% modacrylic, and 45% long staple cotton. It is designed to smother flames when exposed to fire. The protective qualities of the modacrylic fiber are "locked in within the fiber" and cannot be washed or worn out, regardless of the number of wearing's or washings the garment may receive. This knit fabric combines uncompromised protection with the comfort, softness, and breathability that one would associate with high quality combed cotton.
Spentex® FR is inherently flame resistant with FR protection built right into the fiber through the combination of carbon with proprietary strengthening fibers. The result is a cost effective garment alternative that provides better protection and greater comfort than any other FR textile on the market. It is more durable than any other FR garment. Spentex uses the same technology used in today's sporting fabrics making it breathable and cool.
Tecasafe® Plus is engineered to provide unbeatable electric arc and flash fire protection that lasts twice as long as FR treated cotton fabrics. Tecasafe® Plus is made of cellulosic fibers that make the fabric cool, breathable, and extremely comfortable. It has superior abrasion resistance and is highly colorfast, retaining its strength, shape, and color even after multiple industrial launderings.
TECGEN SELECT® brand flame and flash fire resistant clothing combines light weight, fast moisture wicking technology and exceptional breathability. TECGEN® fiber is a patented, Bi-regional fiber with unique heat protection capabilities. It features a high density carbonaceous shell, which provides protection from radiant heat, and an acrylic core that allows the fiber to maintain good textile properties. The beauty of TECGEN® fiber is that the fiber can be blended or spun into normal textiles, unlike carbon fibers.