Focus on Fabric Composition When Selecting FR Workwear

Unlike standard workwear garments, the fabric composition of flame resistant fabrics varies drastically, depending on purpose and region. Traditionally in Europe and America, FR garments have been thick and heavy; however, such garments in hot Australian conditions would not suffice. Blends of cheaper, less wear-resistant fibres are also commonplace. Although such garments, when new, may pass specific FR standards and achieve comparable ratings, their degradation occurs sooner, rendering the garment less safe to wear over its lifespan. 

Understanding the fabric composition is essential in ensuring the level of FR protection is fit for purpose and will provide adequate protection for the wearer through its lifespan.

For the most part, the purchasing decision for FR fabrics and garments are treated like cotton drill garments. 100% cotton drill shirts are precisely that; however, through labelling, venting, tape patterns, and pockets, they can all be differentiated to either increase or decrease the quality or cost of the garment. Flame Resistant workwear operates at a more molecular level, with the actual fabric composition demanding most of the cost or comfort benefits. Stitching additional pockets on or adjusting labelling becomes less of a cost deterrent when the technology is inherent in the actual fabric. Most of the cost of an FR garment is in the technology used to keep you safe rather than what might make the garment look better; therefore, the fabric composition should be a driving factor in selecting FR protection.

At the very least, a flame resistant garment is only required to comply with relevant Australian and international standards. Although two garments might test at a PPE Category 1 Level, one garment may have the additional components in the fabric that will derive longevity, comfort, breathability, and performance. The breakdown of different fibres that make up the garment will be what ultimately gives the desired result of the garment. 

Fire-resistant properties are derived from yarns like Modacrylic, Kevlar and Nomex, the three market-leading products available, and by combining these with additional fibres, a garment with high resistance, durability and breathability can be manufactured. Technically, the only 100% fireproof fabric ever designed contained asbestos, and for the apparent reason, this fabric is no longer produced.

Bool Protective Technologies construct workwear using Parvotex yarn. Through novel fibre composition, Parvotex boasts high levels of fire resistance alongside superior comfort and breathability.

The unique fibre composition of Parvotex yarn utilises 50% modacrylic fibre, 32% long-staple cotton, 8% polyarylate (Vectran), 9% polyamide and 1% Carbon. The Parvotex fabric blend achieves fire resistance, durability and breathability, with each component contributing essential properties.

Parvotex is an inherent fire-resistant fabric, with its FR properties drawing from its fibres rather than FR coatings. 50% modacrylic fibres comprise the FR component of Parvotex fabric. Modacrylic is a dimensionally stable and resilient fibre that is self-extinguishing and non-combustible. Modacrylic fibres are unique in that when blended with other non-acrylic fibres such as cotton, Modacryclic will extract the oxygen, reducing the chance of combustion. 

The strength of Parvotex fabric is drawn from the polyarylate fibres. Parvotex contains 8% Kurary’s Vectran™ polyarylate fibre, which are five times stronger than steel, and ten times stronger than aluminium. 

Vectran™ maintains its strength at high temperatures, enhancing the structural integrity of the fabric it constructs. With these Vectran™ fibres, the strength of the fabric is retained for longer at high temperatures compared to fibres like Aramid. Aramid fibre inparticular is typically used to add strength to an FR garment. But when Vectran is compared to Armaid, Vectran provides higher levels of stress (creep resistance), chemical and abrasion resistance, is cut resistant and has less UV degradation over time.

With a 32% long-staple cotton content, Parvotex fabric offers a more breathable and comfortable alternative to traditionally hot and heavy flame resistant garments. High amounts of cotton fibres reduce the fabric weight, resulting in less wearer fatigue and a more consistent body temperature in daily wear.

The combination of Vectran and long-staple cotton fibres is what gives Parvotex the biggest benefit over it’s alternatives on Australian sites. The premium durability and breathability of Bool FR workwear result from the unique blend of these two fibre types.

From examining the fabric composition of Parvotex it is evident that discerning the properties of fibres is a critical indicator of how a fire resistant fabric will perform onsite. 

It is vitally important to know what you are buying before receiving it. Like many products, FR fabrics should be treated the same way. So understanding fabrics and their fibres is essential and will save time, money and potentially life.

To better understand fabric composition and discern workwear longevity, enquire with Bool Protective Technologies.