Police officers may be exposed to many threats during the course of their duties. Adequate thermal protection is needed against heat and flame from Molotov cocktails, explosive environments, exploding munitions or other sources.
DuPont™ Nomex® fibres are a critical component in protective apparel and accessories as used by police officers all over the world: as well as superior thermal insulation, Nomex® for police offers durability and freedom of movement.
Nomex® – the fibre that reacts in a crisis
Nomex® is an inherently flame-resistant, high-temperature-resistant meta-aramid fibre that doesn’t melt and drip or support combustion in the air. A key factor in the protection provided by Nomex® is its ability to carbonise and thicken when exposed to intense heat, which increases the protective barrier between the heat source and the skin and helps minimise burn injury. As this thermal behaviour is obtained by its molecular structure and not by applying a flame-retardant chemical substance to the fabric, yarn, fibre or polymer, Nomex® offers permanent protection, which cannot be washed out or worn away.
Nomex® thermal solutions for police offer inherent and durable heat resistance:
- They do not continue to burn when the flame is removed and do not melt
- They do not generate toxic or irritating fumes when exposed to heat and flame
- They are resistant to a wide range of chemicals
- They are abrasion-, tear- and wear-resistant for long wear-life
- They are comfortable, due to the transportation of moisture along the fibre by capillary action
Comfort and appearance
Three basic characteristics have an impact on a wearer’s comfort: garment weight, antistatic properties and moisture management. Nomex® fibre helps offer better results for all of them.
Fabrics made of Nomex® fibre can be soft, lightweight, behave like a traditional textile fabric and are therefore extremely comfortable to wear. DuPont offers design guidance to help protective garments be attractive and comfortable, whilst still addressing stringent protection standards.
Durability, ease of care and life cycle cost
The cost-effectiveness of the purchase of protective clothing is influenced by three factors: durability, ease of care and life cycle cost.
Fabrics made of Nomex® fibre can maintain their dimensional stability and appearance better than FRT (flame retardant treated) cotton and cotton blended fabrics.
Nomex® fibre helps garments be suitable for home or industrial laundering and dry-cleaning, have a wrinkle free appearance and do not require ironing after washing.
The purchase price of a garment made of Nomex® fibres can be offset against the higher average number of washings that the garment can undergo during its lifetime.