Abstract
Nomex® has found extensive application in protective clothing and high temperature industrial uses because of the excellent flame resistance, chemical and high temperature inertness of the fiber. Protection from flame by Nomex is a result of unique fiber and fabric behavior, which produces a thick protective char on exposure to flame. In certain catastrophic exposures (e.g., total immersion in burning fuel in a lightweight garment) char formation does not occur, and protection beyond that offered by Nomex is desired. Fiber and fabric properties required to meet this new level of performance have been defined, and laboratory tests to simulate the exposure conditions have been formulated. A new high temperature fiber (HT-4) has been developed to meet these new requirements while retaining satisfactory textile performance.
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