Fire Resistant Clothing
Technically, there is no fabric which is completely fireproof. However, there are certain fibers which resist fire better than other materials. These kinds of fabrics are used to make the FR clothing pieces.
Some materials may be naturally fire-resistant due to its natural fibre weave. Moreover, the fabrics are treated with chemicals to make them fire-resistant. If you want to check out some premium quality FR clothing sets for professional use, then do check out the FR Outlet. Some of the safest fabrics for FR clothing are mentioned below.
1. Wool:
If we consider natural fibers, then wool is found to be the most fire-resistant. Wool is not easily flammable, and the fire is generally extinguished in the fibers. The natural fibers are not as fire-resistant as much as the chemically treated fibers, but their fire resistance can be improvised by treating them with a chemical solution that improves flame resistance. A material with a tight weave in a natural fibre provides improved flame resistance.
2. Kevlar and Nomex:
Kevlar and Nomex are robust and heat-resistant aramid fibers which are well known for their applications in law enforcement. These are used to make body armour and bulletproof vests.
Such fibers are naturally or inherently fire resistant, more than any other type of fabric. Kevlar or similar type of materials is often used to make heat-resistant gloves for welders and glass blowers and protective clothing for firefighters.
3. Acrylic, Polyester and Nylon:
All these synthetic fibers are very dangerous if they come in contact with heat or flame. The material of these stuff catches fire very easily and can melt when heated. The synthetic textiles melt when heated and can cause skin burns when used as clothing textiles.
However, in spite of the hazardous nature, these textiles are considered to be more fire-resistant than the natural fibers because they resist ignition at higher temperatures. These types of fibers can be treated with fire-resistant chemicals to increase their fire resistivity to withstand high temperatures and hence, to form an ideal fire-resistant clothing fabric.
Some of the chemically treated, fire-resistant fabrics used for FR clothing are mentioned below.
A.) Vextra (FLVB) TP Cloth:
It is an aramid and fiberglass blend which has a very high ignition temperature. This FR fabric has vermiculite armor-like coating that is chemically inert, inorganic, odourless and non-combustible.
The coated fabrics are 50% more stable at high temperatures than the uncoated counterparts. The Vextra FR clothing pieces are stable enough to withstand very harsh work environments.
B.) CARBO-FLEX (FLP) Cloth:
It is a very innovative composite which consists of partially carbonized acrylic non-woven fabric. It has both heat and strength resistance together.
The final material exhibits excellent heat dissipating capabilities and gives comparatively better heat protection for people, plant or equipment. Heat does not travel through the fabric; it passes across the carbonized side of the fiber.
C.) AMI-FLEX (AFL) Cloth:
This one is the perfect cloth for heat resistant safety clothing. It is made up of aramid fibers with fibreglass support. Furthermore, it is laminated on one side with a specially designed aluminized polyester film. It is also effective for moderate range temperature applications.
D.) VEXTRA (GLV) Cloth:
This is the coated fabric which acts as an armour against direct heat. It combats high temperatures with 100% fibreglass fabric. It is a highly stable material which remains stable up to 540°C (1000°F) and can bear very harsh work situations.
Wrapping up:
Fire-resistant fabrics are very crucial for professional people who continuously work under hostile work conditions. Always select the FR clothes which are made up of stable fibers and which have high ignition temperature.