fire-resistance suit

Unraveling the Science of Nomex: Deciphering its Flame-Resistant Properties

/in /by

Unraveling the Science of Nomex: Deciphering its Flame-Resistant Properties

In the realm of protective clothing, the fire-resistant suit stands as a pinnacle of safety engineering. Amongst these, Nomex fabric emerges as a frontrunner, renowned for its exceptional flame-resistant properties and reliability in high-risk environments. Delving into the scientific intricacies of Nomex unveils the remarkable technology that underpins its effectiveness as a protective material.

Aramid Fibers: The Building Blocks of Nomex

Aramid fibers, the foundation of Nomex fabric, possess a unique molecular structure characterized by strong, rigid chains. These chains are key to Nomex’s heat resistance, providing a robust barrier against flames and extreme temperatures. Understanding the composition of aramid fibers sheds light on Nomex’s inherent flame-resistant properties.

Explore Carter Industries’ Collection of Nomex Fire-Resistant Suits for Unparalleled Protection!

Chemical Composition and Stability

The chemical composition of Nomex fabric plays a crucial role in its flame resistance. Aromatic rings within aramid fibers impart stability and resistance to degradation, even under harsh conditions. Moreover, the absence of hydrogen atoms further enhances Nomex’s ability to withstand combustion, ensuring reliable protection in high-risk environments.

Manufacturing Process: Enhancing Flame Resistance

Nomex fabric undergoes a meticulous manufacturing process to enhance its flame resistance. During production, the fabric is treated with flame-retardant chemicals that impregnate the fibers, creating a barrier against heat and flames. This treatment ensures that Nomex maintains its flame-resistant qualities even after prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

Char Formation: A Shield Against Flames

When exposed to flames, Nomex fabric undergoes a process known as char formation. This involves the conversion of the fabric’s surface into a protective char layer, which acts as a shield against further combustion. The char layer insulates the underlying fabric, preventing the spread of flames and reducing the risk of thermal injuries to the wearer.

Low Thermal Conductivity: Rapid Heat Dissipation

Nomex’s low thermal conductivity is another critical aspect of its flame-resistant properties. The fabric’s ability to dissipate heat rapidly reduces the risk of thermal injuries to the wearer. This feature is particularly crucial in high-risk environments where individuals are exposed to radiant heat or hot surfaces.

Nomex Solutions by Carter Industries

Carter Industries, a trusted provider of fire-resistant suits, offers a range of Nomex garments meticulously crafted to meet the highest safety standards. By incorporating Nomex fabric into their protective clothing, Carter Industries ensures that professionals working in hazardous environments are equipped with reliable and durable gear.

Fire-Resistance Suit at Carter Industries

In conclusion, understanding the scientific principles behind Nomex fabric unveils its exceptional flame-resistant properties. From the molecular structure of aramid fibers to the manufacturing processes that enhance its fire resistance, Nomex stands as a reliable protective material for individuals in high-risk environments. Invest in Nomex fire-resistant suits from Carter Industries to ensure unmatched safety without compromising on performance.

flight suits

Why Nomex Flight Suits are The Right Choice For You

/in /by

Health and safety are a top priority in any workplace and aviation is no different. To keep pilots safe, it’s often recommended that they wear a Nomex flight suit underneath everything. Essentially, wearing a flight suit is a matter of personal preference. But for pilots at high risk of accidents, a Nomex flight suit can make all the difference. Refined by decades of improvement, Nomex flight suits are superior, lightweight garments designed to offer pilots the ultimate comfort. But they are more than just that. Thanks to their flame-resistant properties, Nomex flight suits offer pilots an extra layer of protection in high-temperature situations. Still not convinced that you need to wear a Nomex flight suit? Here are a few reasons why we think they are worth purchasing.

Convenience

For pilots who are always on the go, the Nomex flight suit is a must-have. They come conveniently equipped with six functional pockets for ample storage. The two-way zipper makes it easy for the wearer to pull it on and off over-under clothes.

Safety

The Nomex flight suit’s design philosophy revolves around safety. Built to the military specification of all USAF flight crews, these flight suits are perfectly optimized to protect the pilot. The Nomex flight suit is made from synthetic aromatic polyamide polymers, culminating in a fully fire-resistant garment.

Comfort

Flight suits were traditionally made of bulky material that, while it did offer pilots warmth, generally made them uncomfortable to wear. Nomex flight suits perfectly blend these aspects. They not only keep the pilot warm but also allow freedom of movement. Furthermore, they are made of a lightweight and breathable material that makes them comfortable to wear.

Quality

Compared to other suits, Nomex suits are indeed superior in quality. They are solution-dyed, rendering them resistant to fading and discoloration. Moreover, these suits are sturdy and are constructed with a rip-top fabric to reduce the likelihood of tears and snags.

Male vs Female Nomex Flight Suits

For years, flight suit brands have always only manufactured unisex clothes, ignoring the specific needs of women. Carter Industries steers clear of this overlook, delivering flight suits for both men and women. Both essentially offer the same properties that make them authentically Nomex flight suits. They are flame-resistant, fade-resistant, lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. They also come with the same number of pockets and an adjustable waist belt for a comfortable fit. There aren’t many differences., clearly, However, comparatively, women’s Nomex flight suits come with additional hip and thigh measurements to account for the female physique.

Given the chance to wear a flight suit, many pilots are likely to pass on the idea. But if you must, Nomex flight suits should be your go-to flight suit. They are a useful tool both in the cockpit and on the ground. The added safety factor only makes them more important.
Carter Industries has been the exclusive supplier of Nomex flight suits for the US Defense Force. If you think a Nomex flight suit may be right for you, place an order with us today!

The 27/P Fight Suit and G-Suit Used by Fighter Pilot

The 27/P Fight Suit and G-Suit Used by Fighter Pilot

/in , /by

 

You like the look of a pilot in full flight suit and gear, but no matter how cool they look, the uses of these clothes go far beyond just that. Besides being a nice uniform outfit, Aircrews wear a flight suit because it protects against dangers associated with flash fires and electric arcs. The hazards include intense heat and fires. Fighter pilots use the CWU 27/P Nomex Flight Suit manufactured by in the USA following the Berry Amendment.

Safety features.

These suits are made with a durable flame-resistant Nomex construction and temperature-resistant material up to 300°C (572°F.)  In the heat of battle, these suits also provide an extra layer of protection by being NIR compliant, whereby the suit’s construction helps it mimic ambient radiation, rendering the pilots invisible to infra-red radar and UV light – it is the literal cloak of invisibility. This is good for night battles and good protection against heat-seeking armaments.

Functionality

Flight suits are supposed to withstand hard usage in their lifetime. Wear and tear or obsolesce shouldn’t be a problem they are prone to, and thus, functionality is a priority when making them. To start with, the CWU 27/P Nomex Flight Suit is made to fit, and the adjustable waist belt makes it easy to get an individual fit for any body shape. Each flight suit comes with six conveniently placed primary pockets and helpful 2-way zippers for ease of dressing up and dressing down. This also comes in handy when you have to use a relief tube. Lastly, these suits are resistant to fading thanks to the solution-dyed military spec Normex fabric.

G-suits

A flight suit’s design is all about pilot safety and comfort.  They are tough and rugged, and they have constantly evolved for the specific use cases of pilots. But perhaps the most niche outfit pilots wear is a G-suit. G-suits are worn by aircrews and astronauts who encounter intense acceleration forces(g). They are made to prevent gravity-induced lack of consciousness—g-LOC and blacking out in flight. These are real dangers in flight because the inertia from high acceleration will cause blood to shift to lower parts of the body, depriving the head of much-needed oxygen supply. G-LOC and blacking out have caused a significant number of fatal accidents.

G-suits help with staying in control.

G-suits are made from the same materials as flight suits, only that their functionality is a bit different. To prevent temporary hypoxia (oxygen deprivation of the brain), a G-suit makes it possible to stand high g-forces without excessive physical fatigue. Hypoxia affects the body in phases. It starts with a dimming of vision, which turns to a blackout and eventually g-LOC.  After a high g-force acceleration pull, there is a period of temporary spatial disorientation before full consciousness is regained. This is the most dangerous part of a flight hence G-suits. On average, a G-suit will increase a person’s tolerance by 1g, but in aerial combat, it is the tolerance and the ability to stay in control that matters the most. Pilots will still need high g training exercises to withstand incredible g-forces during acceleration, but with a G-suit, they have an added advantage.

A G-suit’s design

G-suits mostly look like tight-fitting trousers.  Depending on the design, they can be worn under or on top of the flight suit. They have a pressurized inflatable bladder that applies pressure on the legs if their sensors are activated in a high g-force maneuver. This pressure prevents blood from draining away from the brain. In modern aircraft, they work with other anti-g devices like partial pressure breathing to improve g-tolerance. You will find liquid-filled bladders or air-filled bladders, but that will depend on the modern aircraft and the national policy. For example, the Libelle suit used in the Eurofighter Typhoon is liquid-filled, while the US Air Force uses gas-filled bladder suits.