THE FIBERS AT THE HEART OF OTEX PRODUCTS

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At OTEX Specialty Narrow Fabrics®, we source advanced fibers from leading manufacturers in the US and around the world. Our Quality Control Department and Test Lab monitor all raw materials from origin through manufacturing and shipment of the final product. Below is a reference table detailing the attributes and applications of some of the commonly used fibers in our high performance and custom products.

Fiber Attributes & Applications

FLAME RESISTANT VS FLAME RETARDANT EXPLAINED

Flame-resistant fibers are materials that have flame resistance as part of their chemical structures. Aramid fibers are inherently flame-resistant fibers. The actual structure of the fiber itself is not flammable. For inherently flame-resistant fibers, the protection is built into the fiber itself and can never be worn away or washed out. In the case of Nomex®, when exposed to flame, the aramid fiber swells and becomes thicker, forming a protective barrier between the heat source and the skin. This protective barrier stays supple until it cools, giving the wearer vital extra seconds of protection to escape.

Flame-retardant treated fabrics are made flame-resistant by the application of flame-retardant chemicals. A chemical additive in the fiber or treatment on the fabric is used to provide some level of flame retardancy. During a fire, chemically dependent fabrics rely on a chemical reaction to extinguish the flame.

When assessing the use of one of the other, keep in mind that flame-resistant fibers have inherent flame-resistant properties that cannot be washed out or damaged through exposure to chemicals in the workplace or laundering. Flame-retardant treated garments, however, may be damaged by chlorine bleach, the combination of hydrogen peroxide (“oxygen bleach”) with hard water, or exposure to oxidizing chemicals in the workplace.