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Author Archives: Tex Tech Industries

1. A Closer Look at the High-Performance Materials Used for Chlor-Alkali Processing

   November 29, 2022 4:26 pm Leave a Comment

   High-performance materials, specifically high-performance textiles, have a wide range of applications across various industries. Manufactured with the use of traditional fabric-making processes — such as spinning, weaving, and knitting — these engineered fabrics can be designed to meet specific strength and corrosion-resistance requirements and can be made to provide superior protection against natural elements.

   These cutting-edge textiles find applications in areas including protective-clothing manufacturing for military and firefighting applications, stain- and moisture-repellent coatings for industrial applications, and corrosion-resistant membranes for corrosive chemical processes. Thanks to this great versatility, the high-performance textile industry is showing sustained annual growth rates close to 20%.

   In chlor-alkali processing, in particular, high-performance fabrics play a critical role in ensuring optimal efficiency.

   Understanding Chlor-Alkali Processing

   Chlor-alkali processing is essentially the electrolysis of sodium chloride (NaCl), allowing for the creation of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, along with hydrogen. All three of these chemicals have many large-scale industrial applications.

   The chlor-alkali process makes use of brine and a membrane cell. The anode oxidizes the chloride ion, which loses an electron to become free chlorine gas. The hydrogen ions are pulled from water and reduced at the cathode, forming hydrogen gas. The semi-permeable membrane at the center permits the sodium ions to travel to a second chamber, where they react with water to produce sodium hydroxide.

   All of the materials involved in chlor-alkali processing — both raw materials and final products — are highly reactive and corrosive. Therefore, inert materials are essential for successfully carrying out the process.

   Tex Tech produces an array of high-performance fabrics specifically suited for such applications. These carbon fiber-based woven materials are resistant to corrosion and can be significantly stretched, improving flexibility and formability. These nonporous woven textile membranes can greatly improve the efficiency of the chlor-alkali process.

   Common Applications for Chlor-Alkali Materials

   It’s critical to work with a fabric that is compatible with chlor-alkali processing to ensure optimal quality of the resultant chemicals. As mentioned earlier, all three products produced — chlorine, hydrogen, and sodium hydroxide — are widely employed across various industries.

   In fact, chlorine is used in roughly 55% of all industrial chemical processes and has applications in the manufacturing of plastics and resins, water purification processes, and the production of pure silicon, which is used in electronic components and solar panels.

   Similarly, sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda, is widely used in food manufacturing, aluminum manufacturing, and the textile industry, in addition to serving as a cleaning agent.

   Hydrogen, as a combustible gaseous fuel, is used in fuel cells, and in the manufacture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.

   Learn More

   Given the critical nature of chlor-alkali processing and the corrosive nature of the materials involved, it’s essential to make use of a woven fabric that is completely compatible with the process.

   As an industry leader in cutting-edge, high-performance materials, Tex Tech offers a wide range of innovative products to suit all types of industrial needs. With over a century of experience and over 7,000 textile products under our belt, we are uniquely qualified to assist clients in the material selection process.

   To learn more about our high-performance textile products, including those for chlor-alkali processing, contact the team today.

2. Inherent vs. Treated Flame Resistant Fabrics: What’s the Difference?

   12:52 pm Leave a Comment

   Many workers are presented with thermal hazards such as molten metals, arc flash, hot liquids, and flame. In environments where these hazards are present, flame-resistant (FR) personal protective equipment (PPE) is of paramount importance. When selecting such gear there are many important terms that one may be confronted with. The most common distinction is inherent fabric vs. treated fabrics.

   A piece of protective equipment can be classified as an inherent fabric if it is woven using some percentage of a fiber that is itself chemically flame-resistant. These are generally oxidized fibers or fibers synthetically derived from petrochemicals that have been chemically altered. In such garments, the flame-resistant properties are inherently present in the fiber’s polymer structure and can never be lost due to washing the garment.

   Protective equipment may be labeled as a treated fabric if fibers have been chemically treated to achieve FR properties, either before weaving or as a chemical finish on the garment. Some treated fabrics can lose their FR capabilities over time or with frequent or improper washing, although advances in the FR field have produced treated fabrics that retain their protective qualities for the entire lifetime of the product. The first such treated fabric was introduced in 1987, and the difference in efficacy between treated and inherent FR fabrics has been shrinking ever since. Even so, many purchasers of FR equipment turn instead to inherent fabrics or inherently flame retardant fabric due to the ongoing misconception that all treated FR garments will lose their protective properties over time.

   Inherent vs. Heat Treated Fabrics

   

   Heat-treated fabrics are materials made from the addition of flame-retardant chemicals to provide some level of flame resistance. The additive forms a strong bond with the polymer of the fiber, which is often itself not flame-resistant. This bond is difficult or impossible to remove when proper laundering and care is applied. One potential pitfall of such gear is that there is no way to visually inspect that the FR quality of the equipment is intact. If outside the useful lifetime of the equipment, or if improperly laundered, the FR qualities may be reduced or removed with almost no way to determine that this has happened.

   This problem is not present with inherent FR fabrics, as the chemical properties of the fibers themselves cannot be washed out. This may cause inherent fabrics to sell at higher costs since they typically offer longer useful lifetimes. Since there is no regulatory body governing the use of this term, however, it has often been applied loosely—often to garments containing no more than 15% FR fibers blended with naturally flammable fibers. Some garments that are woven of natural fibers treated before the weaving process have even been marketed as inherent, so to some extent, the term has lost meaning.

   Inherent FR Fabrics: Pros and Cons

   The primary advantages of inherent FR fabrics include:

   • High level of protection from thermal hazards
   • Often present higher thermal protective performance (TPP) scores than treated fabrics
   • Long service life
   • FR properties will never wash out
   • Garments will not ignite in normal O2 concentrations
   • May char or expand (typically garments created with oxidized fibers) to provide increased thermal resistance under continuous exposure to a thermal hazard
   • Lightweight

   The most notable disadvantages of inherent FR fabrics include:

   • Higher upfront cost (albeit offset by longer useful lifetime)
   • Purportedly less comfortable than some treated fabrics of cotton or other cellulosic origins
   • Inconsistency in application of the term ‘inherent fabric’ or ‘inherently flame retardant fabric’ that is often driven by marketing motives, rather than science and metrics relating to performance

   Treated FR Fabrics: Pros and Cons

   Here are some of the primary advantages of treated FR fabrics:

   • Cheaper than most inherent garments
   • Many available treated fabrics now provide life-of-garment FR protection
   • Generally considered more comfortable
   • Many available treated fabrics now only char similar to inherent fabrics, rather than combusting when exposed to a heat source
   • Most treated fabrics will spontaneously extinguish a flame when the source of heat is removed

   The largest disadvantages of treated fabrics include:

   • Some treated fabrics will lose their protective qualities over time
   • Some treated fabrics off-gas as a method of flame retardancy, producing harmful gases that in some cases include gaseous cyanide
   • Many treated fabrics use increased mass as a means of increasing FR metrics such as TPP, which can increase heat strain and decrease comfort when wearing a heavier garment for extended periods
   • Some 88% cotton, 12% nylon (88/12 FR) and 100% cotton blends, in particular, lose their protective qualities over time with even proper laundering
   • If the flame-resistant capabilities have diminished, there is no way to tell upon visual inspection

   Tex Tech: The Industry Leaders in FR Fabric Technology

   Even with an understanding of the differences and usages of terms such as treated and inherent, the key factor is ultimately the safety and protective value offered to the wearer. In this regard, a more important distinction is proven vs. unproven. Tex Tech and our CarbonX brand have repeatedly proven effective in laboratory testing, as well as in the field—all with the added benefits of comfort and affordability. We work primarily with inherent fabrics.

   • CarbonX’s range hoods, gloves, undergarments, and other protective garments for industrial, motor-racing, and firefighting are superior in comfort and durability and made with inherent FR fibers.
   • Tex Tech provides aircraft seat fire blocking with only inherent fibers—and nothing else blended in—that lasts for many years on an airplane
   • Tex Tech offers high-tech Thermal Protection System (TPS) fabrics and materials for space launch vehicles to withstand rocket burn and the thermal stresses of re-entry

   Tex Tech Industries has been a leader in the engineered textile industry for over a century. Throughout this time, we have devoted enormous resources to research and development in the areas of textile and fiber solutions. We have pioneered more than 7,000 of the best performing products in the marketplace and a wide range of high-performance materials.

   We provide innovative solutions for all engineered fabric requirements, backed with best-in-class customer service. We invite you to contact our experienced engineers to discuss how Tex Tech can provide the material solutions you need.

   Contact Us

3. 10 Ways Polymer Coatings Improve Textile Performance

   November 22, 2022 4:41 pm Leave a Comment

   

   The textile industry manufactures products from a wide range of natural and synthesized materials which have typically been derived from one or more of four primary sources: animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic. These textiles are treated and shaped into myriad products, including but not limited to clothing, upholstery, and industrial fabrics.

   The addition of polymer coatings in the manufacturing process greatly enhances the value of textile materials by extending their useful life and preserving their aesthetic appearance. Coating methods and technology have evolved alongside the increasingly stringent needs of manufacturers and design engineers.

   For example, textile coating technology has begun to incorporate eco-friendly options as manufacturers seek more sustainable and efficient coating solutions. Textile coatings can be custom-engineered to provide specific benefits and enhancements that improve the performance of textile products, which makes them useful in a wide range of industries.

   Benefits of Polymer Coatings for Improving Textile Performance

   Textiles may be subject to a number of external pressures and abrasive elements during everyday use. For this reason, a number of coatings have been developed to reduce the wear of textile materials. Polymer coatings, in particular, offer enhanced protection on the surface of textile products while still allowing for water evaporation through the fabric—a process that is often hindered by other coating materials. Here are the 10 primary benefits of polymer textile coatings:

   Click to Expand
   

   1. Abrasion Resistance

   Abrasion resistance is measured by rubbing flat materials against the fabric in question to determine the rate at which the fabric erodes. Polymer coatings create a layer on top of the textile fabric to add increased resistance to abrasion. It is particularly useful for materials that experience a great deal of friction, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), power transmission belts, backpacks, footwear, and synthetic leather products.

   2. Adhesive Qualities

   Textile fabrics can be coated with polymers to increase their adhesion and tack to other surfaces or polymers. For this reason, rubber polymer coatings are ideal for use in high-performance vehicle tires, power transmission belts, and seals and gaskets.

   3. Air-Holding Capabilities

   Polymer-coated textiles can incorporate resistance benefits to stop items like air or water from passing through the material. This makes them particularly useful in products that need to be capable of holding air, this would include items such as SCUBA buoyancy compensators, life vests, airlift bladders, blood pressure cuffs, pressure infusor bags, aerostates, etc.

   4. Antimicrobial Properties

   Polymers such as chitosan—a naturally occurring biopolymer derived sea creatures—display measurable antibacterial activity, sometimes with a reduction of up to 99%. Since surfaces coated with these materials remain clean and virtually free of bacteria, they are particularly useful in medical textiles, such as bandages, blood pressure cuffs, braces and prosthetics.

   5. Flame Resistance

   Polymer coatings may be combined with flame-resistant agents to create highly flame-resistant materials, which make them important in the manufacture of protective clothing for firefighters, fabric used in vehicles and airplanes, thermal ablatives for rockets, and safety curtains and carpeting.

   6. Durability

   Polymer coatings make textiles more sturdy and corrosion-resistant, significantly extending the service life of finished products ranging from household goods like towels and sheets to outdoor camping equipment and outerwear.

   7. Noise Abatement

   Textiles coated in polymer blends possess sound reduction properties. When sound waves are directed toward the materials, they are absorbed due to its porous nature, thereby preventing the movement of sound. This can be particularly useful in soundproofing layers in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.

   8. Thermal Resistance

   Materials coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA) blends are able to withstand temperatures of up to 500° F. Like flame-resistant coatings, these polymer-coated textiles are particularly useful for safety products, automotive and aerospace fabrics, and firefighting apparel.

   9. Waterproofing

   Polymer coatings provide an excellent means for waterproofing textiles. Their hydrophobic nature ensures that materials coated in certain polymer blends easily repel water and other liquids.

   10. Weldability

   Polymer coatings may need to be bonded through the use of adhesives, RF, ultrasonic or hot air weldable. These types of fabrics are ideal where a durable sealed seam is required and normally sewn seams create unwanted holes in the surface. These weldable coated textiles are ideal for items such as weatherproof outerwear, inflatable vests, rafts, medical devices, and recreational BC vests.

   Polymer Coating Applications

   

    

   Polymer coated textiles are used throughout a wide range of applications and industries, including:

   • Aerospace
   • Agriculture
   • Construction
   • Clothing
   • Geotextiles
   • Home furnishings
   • Industrial and manufacturing
   • Medical
   • Transportation
   • Sports and leisure
   • Protective materials
   • Packaging

   Superior Polymer Coatings From Tex Tech

   At Tex Tech, our knowledgeable and experienced specialists possess an exceptional understanding of fabric manufacturing and treatment processes, allowing us to offer a wide range of material processing capabilities. Our advanced equipment can apply multiple coating applications in a single pass using multi-surface and impregnation coating methods. Our film lamination services offer up to 8 films per pass, and we can process materials with widths up to 100 inches. We offer surface enhancements such as embossing and peel ply, and a wide range of custom processing options, including bias shifting, edge treatments, and slitting.

   

   In addition to our extensive experience and wide range of services, we are proud to maintain the following:

   • IATF 16949 Quality Registration
   • ISO 14001 Certification
   • Zero-Landfill Status
   • Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
   • A2LA Accreditation

   For more detailed information on our outstanding textile products and services, download our eBook, “The Essential Guide to Textile Coatings.” Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about our products or capabilities.

   Download the Guide

4. Applications of Medical Fabrics

   November 17, 2022 3:45 pm Leave a Comment

   What Are Medical Textiles?

   The term “medical textile” refers to materials that are engineered for use in medical applications. It includes anything from versatile fibrous fabrics designed to safely treat wounds to coated and laminated materials used in air holding applications, PPE, and more.
   

   Since these textiles are designed with medical use in mind, they have a number of properties that non-medical textiles do not. For example, they are non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-allergenic, antimicrobial, and biocompatible. These qualities ensure they are safe for personnel and patients.

   Medical textiles are found in many medical devices and supplies. Below, we highlight some of the typical applications of these textiles.

   Non-Implantable Fabric Applications

   

   Non-implantable medical products are used for various external patient care and treatment purposes, including monitoring patient conditions, protecting against infection, and promoting healing. Examples include tourniquets, blood pressure cuffs, inflatable casts, and COPD vests. The materials from which these products are made must be suitable for out-of-body applications and, depending on the application, contact with skin.

   Tex Tech medical textiles fully meet these requirements. They exhibit the following properties:

   • Air holding capabilities
   • Filtration capabilities
   • Antimicrobial
   • Low to no virus/blood penetration
   • Thermal resistance

   • Flame retardance
   • Radiation shielding
   • Abrasion resistance
   • IR/RF/Heat weldability

   Healthcare and Hygiene Medical Fabric Applications

   In the healthcare industry, maintaining clean and sanitary conditions is important to ensuring the health and safety of patients and personnel. Medical fabrics for health and hygiene are used not only by hospitals but also by healthcare facilities and individuals for home use. Products for use in healthcare and hygiene should be clean, contamination-free, and prevent the spread of contaminants and pathogens. They may either be washable or discarded after a single-use.

   Tex Tech offers healthcare fabrics that are used in the following applications:

   • Medical Isolation Gowns Level (Level 1-4)
   • PPE face masks
   • Medical beds (inflation chambers to reduce bed sores)
   • Pressure Infuser Bags (PIB)
   • Shoe covers
   • Medical tray covers

   • COPD vests
   • Medical braces
   • Inflatable tourniquets
   • Blood pressure cuffs
   • More

   

   Our fabrics are cleanable, comfortable. and antimicrobial. Additionally, medical fabrics from Tex Tech can be either reusable or disposable for reduced or eliminated virus/blood penetration.

   Contact the Tex Tech Experts for Your Medical Fabrics Needs Today

   Looking for quality fabrics for your medical application? Turn to the engineered textile experts at Tex Tech Industries! Equipped with over 100 years of experience, we have the knowledge and skill necessary to develop the appropriate products for nearly any application or industry, including non-implantable and hygiene-focused medical products.

   For more information about our medical textile offerings or custom capabilities, contact us today. To discuss your textile requirements with one of our team members, request a quote.

5. Common Types & Uses of Medical Coatings

   November 15, 2022 9:20 am Leave a Comment

   Medical treatment requires close contact between the patient and health workers. That’s why every product used in this industry must meet strict standards.  Medical devices often require fabrics treated with a polymer coating to impart the necessary characteristics for proper form fit and function.

   Tex-Tech is a leading medical fabric coating manufacturer, utilizing different polymers like urethane, PVC and silicone. We use state-of-the-art technology to create coatings with exceptional durability, microbial resistance, and air-holding capability. We offer a comprehensive range of coated medical fabrics for medical device manufacturers to enhance patient care and safety.

   Common Equipment Coatings Used in the Medical Industry

   Tex-Tech utilizes industry-leading textile coating and lamination processes to ensure our products meet the highest quality and standards. Tex-Tech applies various polymers to the fabric surface to enhance the underlying material’s capability to hold air and liquid and allows the material to be fused or welded using hot or radio frequency welding. TPU (urethane) is the most common type of polymer in RF or hot welding. 

   We offer a range of polymer coating options, including:

   • Polyurethane 
   • Silicone 
   • PVC 
   • Acrylic 
   • Rubber (Including EPDM, Fluoroelastic, and natural nitrile) 
   • Phenolic 

   The Purpose of Medical Coatings

   Medical coating is crucial to uphold the sanitary and health standards of the industry. All medical instruments must meet certain sterility levels and standards to be suitable for use in medical settings.

   Polymer coating allows the welding of fabrics to make them capable of holding air. Some devices that require this capability include blood pressure cuffs, pressure infuser bags, inflatable tourniquets, hyperbaric chambers, casts, and cold/ice therapy devices. 

   Medical coating also prevents liquid penetration and maintains antimicrobial properties for the devices. Other applications for medical coating include:

   • Chemical stability: Medical devices should withstand different chemical environments. Medical coating adds a hard surface that protects the devices from abrasion, chipping, or scratching. 
   • Decoration and marking: Medical coating manufacturers use their techniques to add markers on their devices to ensure that defective devices can be isolated and traced back to the source. Medical coating is also crucial in providing as much information as possible to facilitate proper use. 
   • Hospital furniture and treatment seating: From treatment tables to chemotherapy chairs to bedside seating, hospital furniture must be durable enough to withstand frequent cleaning and sanitization while keeping patients and visitors comfortable.
   • Medical professional wearables: Medical professionals need comfortable, durable wearables to protect them from exposure to hazardous and biohazardous substances. Wearables include surgical gowns, aprons, shoe covers, protective shielding, and more.

   Benefits of Medical Coatings

   Textile coating can enhance a material’s characteristics and improve its performance based on the specification and application of the target product. Some of the typical characteristics that textile coating can improve in a medical device include:

   • Flame resistance 
   • Weldability 
   • Waterproofing 
   • Thermal resistance 
   • Durability 
   • Abrasion resistance 
   • Air holding capabilities 
   • Noise abatement capabilities 
   • Antimicrobial properties 

   Medical coating is also crucial in the biomedical field to make implants better suited to interact with bone tissues. Besides that, here are other additional benefits of medical coating:

   • Rapid bone growth 
   • Biocompatibility 
   • Accelerated healing 
   • Engineered bond strength 
   • Low oxide coating 
   • Interconnected porosity 

   Medical Coating with Tex-Tech

   Medical coating is a crucial process in the manufacture of medical devices to deliver high patient safety standards required by the industry.  Several methods are used in medical coating, with textile and polymer coating being the most notable options. 

   Tex-Tech is a trusted supplier of medical coatings for medical device manufacturers. With more than a century of experience and cutting-edge technologies, and  we’re capable of providing superior-quality textile solutions that meet all our customer’s needs and standards. Request a quote to get started or call us at 336-992-7500.

6. How Do You Extinguish a Lithium Battery Fire?

   October 4, 2022 9:06 am Leave a Comment

   Today, lithium-ion batteries are found in many electronics, from smartphones to medical devices to cars. They provide reliable power with recharging capabilities. However, the popularity of this type of battery requires knowledge of what to do in the event of a lithium battery fire. Specializing in flame-retardant materials and fabrics, Tex Tech is an industry expert in handling this type of hazard.

   Learn the risks related to lithium batteries, how to prevent a fire, and what to do to put out a lithium battery fire.

   Why Do Lithium Batteries Catch Fire?

   If a lithium battery overheats, it can burst into flames. This thermal instability, referred to as thermal runaway, happens when flaming gases are vented from the lithium-ion cells in the battery. The overheating of one failing cell causes a chain reaction in the other cells. The reaction can happen within milliseconds to hours, depending on how quickly each cell fails. The exothermic heat given off during the reaction may be sufficient to start a fire.

   Triggers for lithium battery fires include:

   • Short circuits. Improper storage, damage, and metal dust left over from manufacturing can cause circuits to short, leading to combustion.
   • Overheating. Extreme temperatures on loading docks, cargo holds, or tarmacs can lead to overheating or fire during transit or storage.
   • Rough handling. Dropping a battery or jostling it excessively during transport or use can set off thermal runaway.
   • Physical damage. Damage from shredding or dismantling a battery during recycling operations can result in an explosion.
   • Wet/humid conditions. Rainwater, salty air, and humidity might cause short circuits and trigger thermal runaway even without prior damage to the battery.

   How to Put Out a Lithium Battery Fire

   In the case of a lithium battery fire, there are several ways to extinguish it based on the size and type of battery.

   Class D fire extinguishers are effective against lithium-metal battery fires. Lithium-ion battery fires are Class B fires, indicating the presence of flammable liquids, so a standard dry chemical or ABC extinguisher can put them out. Lithium battery fire extinguishers counteract the liquid electrolytes in the battery that create conductive pathways.

   Small lithium batteries contain very little lithium, so they can be doused with water. To put out large lithium-ion battery fires, use a foam extinguisher containing CO2, powder graphite, ABC dry chemical, or sodium carbonate.

   In battery pack fires, each cell may burn on a different timeline. Place the battery pack in a protected outdoor space to allow it to completely burn out.

   If a fire cannot be extinguished, let the battery burn out in a controlled way. Prevent the fire from spreading by soaking the surrounding area with water.

   How to Prevent a Lithium Battery Fire

   Recognizing the warning signs of a failing lithium battery is paramount to preventing a fire. Unusual heat, noise, smoke, odor, or swelling are all indications that the battery is failing.

   Follow these tips to prevent a lithium battery fire from taking place.

   1. Buy batteries from reputable manufacturers.
   2. Never try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
   3. Once a charging cycle is complete, disconnect the battery from the charger.
   4. Use the charger that came with the battery or one approved as compatible by the manufacturer.
   5. Keep batteries away from extreme temperatures.
   6. Charge batteries in a fire-safe charging bag, if possible.
   7. Inspect batteries after they are first installed and periodically after recharging. If they appear damaged, do not recharge.
   8. Remove lithium-ion batteries from items before storage.

   If a charging device emits excessive heat, unplug it from the power source and store it away from combustible objects until the device has cooled down. If necessary, replace the battery or call the fire department.

   Choose Tex Tech for Lithium Battery Fire Safety

   Lithium-ion batteries allow us many conveniences. To use these power supplies responsibly, we should be aware of how to prevent and put out lithium-ion battery fires. Though these events are rare, it is best to be prepared.

   Tex Tech is a leading manufacturer of high-performance industrial textiles, including flame-retardant fabrics for high-temperature or fire applications. Contact us or request a quote to learn more about how our products and capabilities can serve you.

7. Why You Should Consider CoreFX as Your Trusted Firefighters’ Fabric

   September 30, 2022 6:25 am Leave a Comment

   CoreFX is a cutting-edge, flame-retardant fabric solution for multilayer garments. It ensures advanced fire protection using a comfortable and lightweight material, helping firefighters stay safe and more agile on the job. Our advanced materials technology combines a 44% Kermel fiber with 55% para-aramid core and 1% antistatic material to drastically reduce the danger of fire and explosion hazards for those who need it most.

   Properties and Performance of CoreFX Fire & Heat-Resistant Fabric

   

   The Kermel fiber with para-aramid core withstands temperatures of up to 1000° C/1800° F, and in double flashover testing, the Kermel CoreFX equipment endured eight seconds without breaking open, leaving no third-degree burns.

   This advanced, protective fire-retardant clothing meets or exceeds numerous technical industry design standards for protective firefighting equipment, including:

   • EN-ISO 11612 – Flexible flame and heat protection
   • EN 1149-5 – Electrostatic discharge prevention
   • EN 469 – Firefighting PPE standards
   • ISO 13934-1 – Tensile strength > 2400 N warp/weft
   • ISO 13937-2 – Tear strength > 270 warp/weft
   • ISO 12947-2 – Abrasion resistance, lasting more than 50,000 cycles

   The Kermel CoreFX fabric is also incredibly comfortable, weighing less than 200 grams per square meter, allowing firefighters to move quickly with reduced fatigue.

   

   An Economical Solution to Fire Fighting Service Needs

   CoreFX solves numerous pain points left unaddressed by other brands, and all in a highly affordable, user-friendly solution. While most other brands have high-cost products that are uncomfortable for the wearer, CoreFX garments provide much more comfort with a lightweight design. As a result, firefighters can perform at peak levels while confident they are as protected as they are comfortable.

   The CoreFX technology also provides excellent strength and mechanical resistance, as well as resistance to liquid chemicals (per EN-ISO 6530). It also withstands up to a minimum of 25 washes at 40°C.

   Benefits of CoreFX

   With its competitive price, CoreFX is the premium durable fabric the first responder community has been waiting for. We’ve further improved on the previous para-aramid fabrics to create enhanced UV-blocking properties to reduce degradation and provide a longer material lifespan. Garments worn in regions with longer exposure to UV will see the tear and tensile strength retained for longer with the unique fabric design of CoreFX.

   There are also two different durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes available, including:

   • Panoguard – C6 multi-wash with high-repellency finish
   • Eco Guard – PFOA/PFOS-free, multi-wash with high-repellency finish

   These benefits extend to other high-risk uses as well, such as flight coveralls for pilots and protective suits for soldiers. The result is a new line of protective fabrics that withstand more extreme conditions than any previous alternative.

   Choose Tex Tech For Enhanced Protection

   Tex Tech is a world leader in the development and production of ultra-high-performance textiles, designed to endure the most intense conditions. We are continually pushing the boundaries on protective fabric technology, and our advanced research and development processes have advanced the field of first-responder equipment numerous times. We’re proud to do so again with our CoreFX Kermel and para-aramid core fabrics.

   For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Tex Tech Industries or request a quote and one of our highly knowledgeable service technicians will promptly be in touch.

8. Creating a Custom High-Performance Fiber Blend

   March 21, 2022 10:59 am Leave a Comment

   

   Creating a perfect fiber is an impossible task. Every natural and synthetic material has trade-offs, though modern technology (more…)

9. Which Coating Method Is Right for Your Application?

   9:27 am Leave a Comment

   

   Textile coatings are an essential element of creating high-performance industrial components. (more…)

10. A 101 to OASIS Super Absorbent Fibre

    November 29, 2021 4:22 pm Leave a Comment

    Super absorbent yarns are water-insoluble materials designed to absorb and retain large amounts of water or other liquids. Through a complicated matrix of fibre materials, super absorbent yarns prevent water ingress and penetration, making them ideal for a range of industrial applications. At Tex Tech, we manufacture our OASIS Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF) using a range of super absorbent yarns to protect cables and other electronic equipment from damaging moisture.

     

    

    Benefits of Super Absorbent Yarns

    The primary benefit of super absorbent yarns is their water-blocking abilities. Upon contact with water, these yarns swell and form an impermeable barrier. This prevents access and dissipation of moisture throughout sensitive components such as cables and electrical equipment, protecting them against premature failure. Other benefits of super absorbent yarns include:
    

    • Cost-effective. Super absorbent yarns can be customized to fit the needs of a particular application. This negates the need for multiple water-blocking products, making it a more cost-effective option. Super absorbent yarns also feature lower installation costs compared to alternatives.
    • Clean. Compared to other water-blocking solutions, super absorbent yarns are cleaner and eliminate dusting issues that are common with powder-coated yarns.
    • Compact. Super absorbent yarns aren’t as bulky as other tape and yarn technologies, making them the ideal solution for vulnerable areas within cables and electrical equipment.
    • Temperature-resistant. Super absorbent yarns can be formulated to withstand the high temperatures that are often experienced during cable operation.

    Tex Tech’s OASIS Super Absorbent Fibre

    At Tex Tech, our OASIS yarns use super absorbent yarns to protect cables from water ingress. By minimizing water penetration, our water-blocking yarns prevent premature damage and cable failure. Our OASIS Super Absorbent Fibre works by absorbing moisture immediately and swelling to form a protective barrier, preventing more moisture from entering the cable or electrical component.

    Tex Tech’s OASIS swellable yarns are made using >70% recycled fiber, are available from 500 denier to 270,000 denier, and come in a range of thicknesses to suit various needs. These yarns are commonly used throughout the power, data, and fibre optic cable industries for applications such as cross laying, watertight conductors, and fillers over or between multi-core cables. To ensure optimal performance, our yarns are designed to hold up on the most demanding production lines with a clean and efficient product build.

    Specific advantages and properties of our OASIS Super Absorbent Fibre include:

    • Fast swell rate
    • High tenacity strength
    • Superior absorption capacity to block water ingress
    • Consistent performance
    • Cleaner and generates less dust

    To meet the specifications and requirements of each customer, our OASIS Super Absorbent Fibre solutions are available in a range of sizes and diameters and come in long staple wrap spun or long staple ring spun styles.

    

     

    Partner With Tex Tech

    For more than 100 years, Tex Tech has been a leader in engineered textiles, providing customers with a range of high-performance materials to meet the needs of various applications. With many industries relying on cables and sensitive electronics, our OASIS Super Absorbent Fibre solutions can protect against water damage in challenging environments. For more information about our water absorption materials or to get started on a custom solution, contact us today.