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  1. Applications of Medical Fabrics

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    What Are Medical Textiles?

    The term “medical textile” refers to materials that are designed 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

    Applications of Medical Fabrics

    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
    Applications of Medical Fabrics

    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 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.

  2. Common Types & Uses of Medical Coatings

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    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 
    • Enhanced 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.

  3. How Do You Extinguish a Lithium Battery Fire?

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    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 thermal-resistant materials, woven fabrics, and non-woven fabrics, Tex Tech is an industry expert in handling this type of hazard., 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 and high-performance materials, including flame-retardant fabrics for high-temperature or thermal protection systems. Contact us or request a quote to learn more about how our products and capabilities can serve you.

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

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    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

    Firefighter

    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.

    Why You Should Consider CoreFX as Your Trusted Firefighters’ Fabric

    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.

  5. Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Applications & Solutions

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    Lithium-ion batteriesLithium-ion batteries, or li-ion batteries, are an increasingly popular choice for a variety of commercial and consumer electronics. Today, users find them in everything from smartphones and tablets to electric vehicles. There are three key reasons why li-ion batteries have become so popular:

    • The batteries are long-lasting and allow for long device use cycles
    • The batteries can be recharged relatively quickly  
    • Li-ion batteries are light in weight

    These positive attributes are quickly making lithium-ion batteries a default option. However, there is a small chance that they could burst into flames.

    What Is Thermal Runaway?

    Li-ion batteries pose a small risk of bursting into flame because of a phenomenon called thermal runaway. If lithium-ion batteries are heated to a temperature above their maximum threshold, this triggers a sequence of chemical breakdowns in the battery. The chemical breakdowns themselves agitate the situation by rapidly increasing the battery’s temperature. As a result, the battery’s materials can ignite and generate intensely hot flames. The most common causes of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries are:

    • Internal short-circuiting 
    • External short-circuiting

    Both causes can be due to either insufficient battery maintenance or direct physical damage. The risk of thermal runaway is very small, at approximately three packs per million. However, because of the severity of the potential hazard, companies that manufacture or use li-ion batteries need to ensure the problem is satisfactorily eliminated.

    Preventing Thermal Runaway in Batteries

    Four simple ways manufacturers, suppliers, and users can prevent thermal runaway and sudden fires include:

    • Don’t Overcharge. When batteries are charged more than they need, this can damage the battery and increase the risk of thermal runaway.
    • Proper Storage Temperature. If li-ion batteries are stored in hot environments, this can make the batteries more vulnerable to the start of a thermal runaway chain reaction.
    • Proper Ventilation. When batteries and tangential circuitry overheat, they’re more susceptible to heat damage. Ventilation and air circulation (especially with cool, dry air) can extend the safe lifespan of batteries.
    • Replace Old Batteries. While li-ion batteries have extended lifespans, they shouldn’t be used indefinitely. Replace and assess old batteries to ensure you’re only using safe batteries in critical or sensitive equipment.

    Transporting Li-Ion Batteries

    Throughout the supply chain, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers need to follow regulations and best practices while transporting lithium-ion batteries. Specifically, they need to follow Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) rules when transporting li-ion batteries by water, rail, highway, or air. 

    At Tex Tech, we help transporters follow these rules and requirements with materials such as our Fire Containment Cover (FCC). This cover can lay on palletized cargo, such as containers of li-ion batteries, to starve fires by blocking oxygen from feeding the flames. Freight forwarders, airline operators, and other parties throughout the supply chain can use these covers as a voluntary, supplemental protection to contain and minimize the risk of flame damage and mass thermal runaways.  In addition, our materials can be used in the construction of Unit Load Devices (ULD) to provide lithium battery flame protection for these air cargo containers.

    Electric Vehicle Fire Risks

    While flames from li-ion batteries in consumer electronics are concerning, thermal runaway in li-ion electric car batteries poses a much more severe risk. Firefighters, especially, face unique challenges when they respond to a car accident with an electric car, as the damaged battery may spontaneously ignite and cause severe injuries or death. Not only do li-ion car batteries ignite seemingly spontaneously, but they require a lot of water to put out the flames and can even reignite once the fire has been controlled.  At Tex Tech, we’ve developed materials that can contain and help extinguish the flames in minutes.  These materials can be used in the construction of the battery box or enclosure and will provide burn-through protection for the vehicle.  The materials can also be used in blankets that can contain the toxic fumes, smoke, and flames from a car’s li-ion battery.  These systems can be very beneficial for fire departments dealing with a vehicle that keeps reigniting.

    Choose Tex Tech for Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries and Solutions

    At Tex Tech, we specialize in creating innovative flame-retardant materials for use in the modern consumer, commercial, and industrial world. Our materials can be used during shipping, in aerospace and automotive interiors, and in emergency situations. Contact us today to learn more about our woven and non-woven material solutions, manufacturing capabilities, and custom services. You can also request a quote to get started.

  8. A 101 to OASIS Super Absorbent Fibre

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    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.

     

    Swellable Yarn

    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.

    Water Absorption

     

    Partner With Tex Tech

    For more than 100 years, Tex Tech has been a leader in technical 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.

  9. A Closer Look at the Types of Coating Materials

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    A Closer Look at the Types of Coating Materials

    Tex Tech Industries is a leading textile coating manufacturer that works with advanced polymer systems to customize different coating options. Our coatings enhance the properties of all types of fabric, improving their weldability, thermal protection, abrasion resistance, water resistance, air holding, antimicrobial protection, and more. We develop and patent high-tech coating technology—such as thermal protection systems for space vehicles at our cutting-edge research lab.

    Here we’ll review the different types of coating materials available from Tex Tech, along with their benefits and potential applications.

     

    Types of Coating Materials

    Textile coatings come in a variety of materials depending on what each application requires. The materials we offer at Tex Tech include:

    Silicone

    Silicone coatings add resistance to heat, flame, chemicals, abrasion, UV, and weather. Many products use silicone coatings, including thermal insulation, gaskets, automotive airbags, parachutes and protection from slag and weld spatter.

    Polyurethane

    Polyurethane coatings enhance abrasion resistance and durability. For this reason, it is often the final protective layer over other industrial primers. Polyurethane coatings often enable the materials to be welded using IR, RF and heat systems.

    PVC

    Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a versatile polymer coating that enhances the fabric’s resistance to chemicals, corrosion, pressure, and abrasion. Many industries utilize PVC-coated materials, including wastewater treatment, food processing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

    Acrylic

    Acrylic coatings dry quickly and have a high-gloss finish. They are especially ideal as primers promoting adhesion. Acrylic also offers superior corrosion resistance for textiles and fabrics.

    Phenolic

    Phenolic epoxy coatings improve corrosion resistance. However, it does not perform well with UV exposure, so most applications for epoxy are located in indoor facilities.

    Rubber

    Rubber coatings resist mechanical wear and tear as well as generally harsh environments. Coatings may consist of natural or synthetic rubbers, including nitrile, chloroprene, EPDM, and fluoroelastomer rubbers. The electronics, automotive, military, and medical industries rely on these types of coatings.

     

    Fabric Coatings and Lamination by Tex Tech

    Tex Tech provides advanced textile coating and lamination services for a variety of industries. Using our polymer coating systems, we enhance customer specific needs. Our coating equipment can apply aqueous, solvent, and 100% solid polymer coatings. In addition, we offer both single- and double-sided textile coatings for materials.

    To ensure the secure application of each coating, we utilize methods such as direct coating, reverse roll coating, immersion coating, and heat lamination. We also provide several analytical services, including differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.

    With years of combined experience and resources, our team has a deep understanding of every fabric coating need. If you would like to learn more about our coating technologies and solutions, contact us today. To get started on a custom coating solution for your application, request a quote.

  10. Thermal Protection Systems and Materials

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    The term thermal protection system (TPS) refers to various materials applied externally to the outer structural skin on an orbiter to maintain acceptable temperatures, especially for the reentry phase of a mission. Materials used for a TPS are selected for their high-temperature stability and weight efficiency.

    Space vehicles that enter the earth’s atmosphere require thermal protection systems to protect them from aerodynamic heating. The TPS system used by space vehicles inhibits the conduction of heat on the interior of the vehicle by combining an underlying layer of thermal insulation with high-temperature resistant surface materials.

    Thermal Protection System Materials

    Friction with the atmosphere during re-entry produces extreme temperatures that require specialized shielding systems to protect space vehicles. In addition to heat, space vehicle thermal protection systems also shield systems and the airframe from the extremely cold conditions that occur during parts of orbit. A TPS is produced using the following materials:

    Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC)

    RCC is a strong all-carbon composite. It is light gray and able to withstand the aerodynamic forces of launch and re-entry, which reach up to 800 lbs per sq. ft.

    Felt Reusable Surface Insulation (FRSI)

    Felt Reusable Surface Insulation (FRSI) is a type of protective blanket material that shields orbiter surfaces from high temperatures. It protects surfaces from heat between 350 °F to 700 °F.

    Reusable Surface Insulation Tiles

    Space vehicle tiles come in two types: white for low-temperature applications, and black for high temperatures. High-temperature reusable surface insulation tiles utilize a black borosilicate glass coating that has an emittance value higher than 0.8. They protect areas of the vehicle which reach temperatures up to 2,300 °F.

    Low-temperature reusable insulation tiles are coated in a white substance that contains the necessary optical properties to maintain on-orbit temperatures. These low-temperature reusable insulation tiles are placed on vehicle areas that have the potential to reach a maximum of 1,200 °F.

    Tile Bonding

    The bonding agent that attaches tiles to the vehicle surface is a type of silicone adhesive. Silicones are an ideal bonding agent for these types of applications. They retain excellent bond strength during the high temperatures of re-entry and are also flexible at the low temperatures experienced during orbit.

    Legacy TPS Products

    Legacy materials are often difficult to source due to low volumes, and lack of demand for years, or even decades. Tex Tech is the only US company that has re-created these types of products to NASA specs to provide exceedingly well characterized materials that orbital vehicle designers can utilize with confidence.

    Infused Stabilized Ablative Insulation Felt

    Our system replaces a traditional single use cork TPS with a higher performance multi-use composite system that relies on a fiber reinforcing structure to increase the erosion resistance. Tex Tech produces low temperature ablative systems using felts that have been stabilized with a high char yield silicone. This silicone can also be customized further to meet low out-gas requirements when needed.

    Multi-layered Felt Hybrids (MLF)

    MLF takes the concept of MLI (Multi-Layered Insulation) and adapts it for use with needle-punched hybrid structures rather than laminated films. Carbonizing Assembly may be used to fabricate unique precursor structures for C/C or C/SiC. Within this assembly a non-woven felt is sandwiched between two or more woven fabric layers. Once converted to C/C or C/SiC, the assembly becomes a highly insulating composite with high thermal stability.

    Requirements of a Thermal Protection System

    The amount of pressure and aerodynamic heating that occurs during launch and re-entry varies according to vehicle type, shape, and trajectory. To provide adequate protection, the following requirements must be met for all thermal protection systems.

    • Heat load. Regulating the flow of heat into and out of the vehicle is the main role of thermal protection systems. In most situations, a TPS is designed around the aerodynamic heating during a vehicle’s re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The TPS system must be able to withstand high temperatures without excessive degradation of material properties.
    • Mechanic loads. Extreme aerodynamic pressure, as well as in-plane inertial, dynamic, and acoustic loads, are all mechanical loads on the TPS. The TPS must withstand these loads without failure.
    • Deflection limits. The TPS shapes the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile. Surface deflections of the TPS need to be below a certain limit to maintain this aerodynamic profile and prevent local overheating and system failure.
    • Impact loads. The TPS can be subjected to many types of impact during installation, launch, flight, and landing. Having adequate impact resistance is an important requirement of a TPS.
    • Chemical deterioration. High surface temperatures during re-entry make the TPS susceptible to oxidation. It may also be altered during maintenance.
    • Low-cost operability. A TPS will require maintenance throughout its life, in addition to the initial fabrication and installation costs. A TPS should be easily replaceable or repairable as well as designed to withstand a certain amount of damage without requiring immediate repair.
    • Lightweight. Due to the large amount of space that a TPS occupies, it makes up a majority of the launch weight. To prevent the need for increased fuel requirements, a TPS must be as lightweight as possible.

    TPS Solutions from Tex Tech

    Tex Tech Industries is proud to be an industry leader in high-performance textile manufacturing. Since 1904, we have been delivering the highest quality products available for the most challenging applications. Our expert research and development team and state-of-the-art facilities allow us to provide the high-performance textile solutions the aerospace industry demands. For more information about our advanced TPS solutions or our other textile products and services, please contact us or request a quote today.

Tex Tech Experts

Tex Tech Industries Inc. is a leading developer and supplier of high-performance materials globally, and we are committed to providing innovative solutions for each of our customers. We serve wide-ranging industries, including aerospace, protective apparel, automotive, law enforcement, coatings, filtration, 3D weaving, and high-performance materials. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings, or request a quote to get started.

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