The FR Nomex® Provides Crucial Time to Escape to Safety
Nomex® fire-resistant PPE is used by first respondents, firefighters, petrochemical workforce, utility crews, race car drivers, astronauts, and industrial workers who are exposed to high temperatures, flash fires, and electric arc hazards. This specialized material developed by DuPont in the 1960s has revolutionized fire safety and helped several industries to make a quantum leap in their specific fields due to reliable protection.
Fire is one of the most unpredictable of the elements. A flash fire is characterized by rapid and intense ignition of dispersed flammable substance, or combustible liquid, or flammable gas. This high temperature, short duration and rapidly spreading fire causes extensive damage and harm to humans.
An electric arc, on the other hand, is a plasma created in nonconductive air due to a prolonged electrical discharge. An arc discharge has enough energy capable of fatal burns.
What does Nomex® actually do?
Fibers, such as cotton and wool, and synthetic blends such as nylon and polyester support combustion. When exposed to a flame, cotton can ignite and continue to burn. Nylon and polyester can ignite, burn, melt, and stick to workers' skin. The explosive force of an electric arc can blast apart clothing made of cotton or polyester/cotton blends, exposing workers directly to the arc's devastating effects and any resulting fire.
Nomex® is an inherently fire-resistant aromatic polyamide (aramid) fiber. Nomex® does not catch fire when exposed to flames or melt under high temperatures.
Nomex® undergoes a special reaction when exposed to extreme heat by forming a thick carbonized layer of the protective material. This barrier between the flame and skin minimizes burn injury and protects the wearer. This protective barrier continues to remain flexible until it cools down, giving a few additional seconds of protection while still allowing mobility!
The heat and flame resistance is built into Nomex® fabric at a molecular level and it cannot be washed out or worn away. The FR property of Nomex® will last the lifetime of the garment irrespective of the number of washing cycles.
This flame-resistant property makes Nomex® ideal material for insulation applications suitable for thermal protective apparel as it can withstand up to 370°C (700°F).
A specialized fabric, Nomex® has the lowest weight at the highest level of protection, breathability, and ability to wick away moisture, making it highly comfortable when facing fire-related occupational hazards.
View the demonstration to see how Nomex® performs as compared to any other material when exposed to flame:
Conclusion
Protective apparel made with Nomex® acts as a protective barrier and will not burn or melt and drip. This excellent arc flash protection helps give wearers more time to escape from a hazardous situation.
Tested over 40 years in real-world scenarios, rigorous testing, and market leadership in durability and low lifecycle cost set Nomex® apart. The excellent flame-resistant properties and a significant ability to reduce burn injuries are highly advantageous for fire protective apparel.
Choose FR clothing made with Nomex® for proven protection and comfort in thermal and fire hazards.