Sample Aramid description with images that are are mostly used in the manufacture of fire resistant clothing.
Chemical lab image helping to illustrate FR cotton and that the cotton fabric is sprayed over with or dipped into a flame-resistant chemical
kevlar-fiber-500x500.jpg
Image of a Cotton Plant. Even though cotton has high melting points it is prone to combustion

AUTO racing suits use either an Aramid THREAD fabric or aN ORGANIC FABRIC THAT HAS BEEN Treated WITH A FIRE RETARDANT CHEMICAL.

What Is the difference?

A certified racing suit’s fabric will either have been woven with a fire-resistant (aramid) fiber or constructed with a chemically treated fabric (FR, fire-retardant.)

ARAMIDS are synthetic, technical fibers that have inherent properties including being heat & flame resistant, have low thermal conductivity, are naturally lightweight, inherently resistant to abrasion, own a high tensile strength, and are resistant to organic solvents and chemicals oils.

  • The fire resistant properties of an aramid fiber remain with the fabric and cannot be washed out.

  • Avoiding the complicated science of fire-retardant fiber compositions, it is simpler to state that there are multiple and diverse aramid fibers created and used in safety clothing. For motorsports Nomex® from DuPont™ is the preferred (meta-aramid) fiber.

  • Many aramid racing suits will be made with 100% Nomex® or a
    Nomex thread blended with another aramid fiber or an organic material, usually cotton.

  • Organic materials, such as cotton or linen, are used as they burn rather than melt. They can also be threated with a fire-retardant chemical unlike man-made fibers, such as polyester.

  • Motorsport manufacturers do produce their own exclusive technical aramid fibers.

  • All racing suits are mandated to have an aramid lining. It is usually Nomex®.

  • Aramid fibers are very technical. They are often constructed to contain other beneficial features such as elasticity, breathability and anti-static behavior.

  • The exclusivity & uniqueness of aramid fibers make them expensive.

  • The blend and the percentage of the aramid fiber woven into the fabric will decrease or increase the price of the suit. For example, Nomex® is proprietary. In addition, 100% Nomex® suits are highly desirable for their increased thermal properties, and because they are ultra light.

  • The blends and composition of an aramid woven fabric can significantly increase the suits characteristics including thermal resistance, weight, appearance and flexibility. Brands will develop with, or choose from manufacturers of aramid fabrics to distinguish their products from their competitors.

  • Stretch panels are manufactured using highly, technical aramid fibers that have been developed for elasticity and breathability. Their inclusion in a suit significantly benefits the driver but will increase the price of the suit.

  • The suit’s weight will diminish with the percentage increase of any aramid fiber content.

  • There is a direct correlation between decreased weight and increased aramid thread (and increased price.)

  • Aramid suits properties do not wash out. However, suits manufactured with a greater percentage of organic thread will be heavier. Cotton is heavy. In addition, for the suit to pass SFI & FIA testing these hybrid suits often need to be thicker.

  • The percentage content of cotton in hybrid suits can result in color fading from UV rays.

FIRE RETARDANT (FR) FABRIC (usually cotton,) gains its fire-retardancy by being treated with a flame retardant chemical.

  • PRO - The process produces a lower cost fabric.

  • CON - The treatment is not permanent. Frequent washing, regular use, exposure to certain elements causes the suit to lose some degree, or all, of its fire-retardancy. This can start at the eighth wash.

  • CON - To comply with the SFI safety standards, the suit will be thicker and so heavier. Note; the FIA does not homologate any FR racing suits.

  • Cotton is inherently heavier than synthetic thread.

  • CON - The thicker properties produces a warm, stiff, less breathable & more uncomfortable suit

  • Proban FR cotton, Pyrovatex FR cotton, Indura FR cotton are all registered brands frequently used in the manufacture of these ‘wallet friendly’ racing suits.

Remember no matter the fabric used all racing suits have passed identical SFI and/or FIA standard tests. Yet. this is a minimum standard. Many racing suits well surpass this minimum standard.