Flame Resistant Fabrics

 INHERENT and ENGINEERED are the two terms used most to distinguish between FR fabrics. The difference between engineered and inherently flame resistant fabrics relates to the process used in making the final product flame resistant and can be described as:

INHERENTLY Flame Resistant Fabrics, like Nomex®IIIA, Teijinconnex, Lenzing FR, Kermel etc. are made using fibers that are innately flame resistant. The flame resistant properties cannot be degraded through regular use or laundering. Nomex®IIIA fabrics are made from fibers that are not flammable, from an FR polymer base; these fabrics are flame resistant from the start and do not go through a treatment process to become flame resistant. With the R&D and economies in the production the branded fibers are now complimented with more generic version of the fibers like Aramid, Modacrylic, FR-Viscose, FR-Bamboo, Lyocell etc. 

ENGINEERED FR Fabrics, like Pyrovatex, PROBAN® and Indura® undergo a process during manufacturing to impart flame resistance onto the fabric fibers. Treated cotton and blended fabrics are given a flame resistant chemical application, which the originally non-FR fabric is immersed in after it is woven together. The treatment chemically changes the fabric, making it flame resistant for the life of the garment. The processes of the treatment vary with the property of Chemical. Engineered FR fabrics are also referred in the industry as Treated FR Fabrics.

Both types of fabrics offer comparable protection. What matters most to wearers is that the FR is guaranteed for the life of the garment, provided that laundering instructions are followed and that no bleach, fabric softener or starch is used during the laundering process since such contaminants can mask the FR properties of the fabric.