Nomex® Flame-Resistant solutions — a Long Lifecycle of Protection

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DuPont™ Nomex® flame-resistant (FR) solutions offers excellent wear life that helps lead to a greater overall value.

Nomex® is a premium material that can help provide very favorable results to a bottom line. In order to calculate return on investment when it comes to flame-resistant garments, it’s important to consider the initial cost divided by the number of wears.

For example, a flame-retardant-treated (FRT) cotton garment that costs less may initially seem like a better value than a garment made of Nomex®. However, over the course of time, based on a variety of factors -  like durability and color-fastness - a garment made of Nomex® is a good investment.

Durability of fabrics made of Nomex® 

Protective apparel made of Nomex® is so durable that industrial launderers estimate that it may last for at least five years and be washed and worn at least 125 times without compromising its protection, shape and professional appearance. In contrast, garments of FRT cotton can be washed and worn an average of only 25–40 times (an estimated one year of wear life). Therefore, industrial launderers may charge up to 40% more for rental programs of FRT cotton garments than for rental programs of Nomex®. 

Additionally, for FR garments, a single rip or tear requires proper repair and - depending on the size and nature of the tear - may require replacing the entire garment. However, because DuPont™ Nomex® offers twice the strength and tear resistance of FRT cotton-nylon blends, these garments can remain effective and in service longer. 

 
 
 

Nomex® appearance retention

Shrinkage is an important factor to consider when evaluating garment durability, comfort, and appearance. In a laboratory test, fabrics made of Nomex® flame-resistant fiber experienced low shrinkage, and then maintained their size and shape through many subsequent launderings.

Nomex® ease of care

In addition, garments made of Nomex® have a better color-fastness and appearance retention versus FRT cotton/nylon, with superior professional appearance throughout the lifecycle of the garment. And they rarely need pressing; they come out of the dryer ready to wear, in contrast to FRT cotton garments, which wrinkle significantly after washing and drying.

Data was generated from a third-party test on Nomex® Comfort 6oz/yd2 Navy.

 
 
 

Nomex® thermal performance

The inherent flame resistance of Nomex® means protection cannot be washed out or worn away. Unlike fabrics made with inherently FR fibers, flame-retardant-treated (FRT) fabrics may have their FR properties diminished or removed depending on how they are laundered, how many times they are laundered, or if they are exposed to certain chemicals in the laundering process or work environment.

 
 
 

To see more videos on how Nomex® compares to other FR fabrics, click here .

Nomex® for thermal protection, superior lifecycle and durability

Garments made with Nomex® are extremely durable and resist abrasion and tears. They’re also an excellent value, lasting longer than other standard and protective fabrics, including 100% cotton and FRT cotton. In lease, rental, and purchase programs, for example, the excellent wear life of garments of Nomex® can help contribute to bottom-line savings.