Firefighters need protection from the number one danger they constantly face during work emergencies: fire.
All firefighter crews, both in structural or wildland units are trained with a proper protocol to know exactly what to do in various situations. They precariously learn their drills until it becomes a part of their reflex. However, no amount of training can make them immune to fire and other hazards involved in their work.
Therefore, our firefighters are required to get equipped with a standard fire-resistant uniform— which brings us to our main subject in this article, the famous quality-certified Nomex fiber clothing.
What Is Nomex Clothing?
Nomex is a synthetic fiber with heat and flame-resistant features. This is, by far, the most suitable material used in manufacturing protective apparel for firefighters and those exposed to hazardous work conditions. It’s one of the first flame-resistant (FR) fibers successfully developed with proven supreme strength and performance.
DuPont, the developer of Nomex fiber, specifically engineered the heat and flame-resistant features to the molecular structure of Nomex fabric. Unlike the chemical treatments applied to other firefighter garments, their method prevents the material from being worn out of its protective features. To add to that, they designed the FR product with a combination of electric arc protection. Nomex does not melt or drip, and it also prevents combustion in the air. But what makes it unique from other FR products is its ability to carbonize and thicken when exposed to intense heat. Thus, it averts and minimizes injury from flame or heat exposure.
Its impressive qualities don’t end there. Nomex fiber is highly resistant to hydrocarbons and some other organic solvents. It also has a good level of resistance to alkalis, but only when exposed within room temperature. Nomex fiber even has a higher resistance to x-rays and beta/gamma radiation than woven nylon fabric.
At what temperature does Nomex burn?
Even though Nomex fiber has a low level of flammability, it still has a limit that will reach its burning point.
Woven nylon fabrics melt at 489°F/254°C, while at this rate, the Nomex fiber would still be able to retain up to 60% of its original strength and resistance. But above 700°F/370°C, Nomex fiber can no longer hold the temperature, and then it will quickly begin to degrade until it gets weak and brittle.
Nomex FR Products
Several Nomex personal protective equipment (PPE) garments are available in different stores, such as coveralls, shirts/pants for structural firefighters, brush shirts/pants for wildland firefighters, gloves, hoods, innerwear, coats, and jackets.
Nomex is also used to manufacture electrical insulation products, pressboards, and papers. The Nomex aramid fiber paper, for example, has heat-resistant properties and a lightweight feature with the durability and strength ideal for scientific and engineering purposes in several industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, military, and sports.
Nomex Clothing For Structural and Wildland Firefighters
Indeed, Nomex fiber clothing is highly preferred as standard equipment for structural and wildland firefighters. Our fire crews require a protective gear that’s made of the highest quality materials with trusted heat and fire-resistant features.
Looking for NFPA-certified wildland fire gear and PPEs? Come and visit CrewBoss today!
