To completely understand how materials are developed, let's start from the fibers. Fabrics begin as single thread-like fibers, which are then constructed, or "woven" into a fabric. Inherently flame resistant fabric starts with FR fibers, which individually are flame resistant. The outcome of this, when woven, the fabric for the clothing is flame resistant. Treated FR fabric acquires its flame resistance from a treatment to the textile. Non flame resistant textiles are are weaved into a fabric, which is then made flame resistant by an application.

Years ago, there were industry problems with flame resistant clothing applications that 'washed' out of the flame resistant garment}. This is not so much of a problem today as technology provides a 'permanent' application that will last the life of the garment. A garment is more likely to naturally wear out before it loses its flame resistance.

Protera™ by Dupont™ Used in both HRC 2 and HRC 4 fr clothing, Protera fiber is created by DuPont. Its inherent FR is because of a blend 33% NOMEX / KEVLAR / 65% modacrylic / 2% Antistatic. Lightweight and very comfortable, Protera supplies the most recent technology in the market in fabrics.

- Lightweight textile, sold in 6.5 oz and 8 oz. - Single layer fabric achieves HRC2: 12 cal/cm² - Colors include medium blue, khaki, navy - Inherently flame resistant - Fiber technology developed by DuPont™ - Care: Home wash - Clothing life: 3-4 years

Indura® One of the industry's first flame resistant products, Indura® is 100% FR cotton, achieved by applying a everlasting FR treatment to the material.

- produced in many weights: 7.0 oz, 9.0 oz, 9.5oz, and more. - Single layer fabric achieves HRC 1 / HRC 2 (relevant to fabric weight) - Available in many colors - Permanently applied flame resistance - Fiber technology created by Westex, Inc. - Care: Home wash - Wear life: 1-1.5 years

Indura® Ultra Soft® An important flame resistant textile, Indura® Ultra Soft® is composed of 88% FR cotton and 12% nylon. The nylon is included to improve abrasion resistance, reducing wear and tear, and extending the clothing life of an Ultra Soft apparel.

- Sold in many weights: 7.0 oz, 9.0 oz, 9.5 oz., 13oz. and more - One layer fabric accomplishes HRC 1 / HRC 2 (relevant to fabric weight) - Developed in many colors - Permanently treated flame resistance - Fiber technology created by Westex, Inc. - Care: Washing machine safe - Clothing life: 2-3 years

Nomex® IIIA This conventional flame resistant textile creates the basis for many flame resistant fabrics and fibers. It is 93% Nomex® / 5% Kevlar® / 2% antistatic.

- Sold in 4.5 oz and 6 oz. - Single layer fabric achieves HRC1; multiple and lined layers are used to accomplish higher arc ratings. - Produced in many colors - Inherently flame resistant - Fiber technology created by DuPont™ - Care: Home wash - Wear life: 3-5 years

Labels: fibers, fire resist, flame resist, textile