The Inherent FR Blending Fibrefor Protective Clothing

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Kanecaron®

The brand name of a range of inherently

flame retardant modacrylic fibres of which Protex is

part. It is designed to blend perfectly, in specified

quantities, with natural or manmade fibres to

produce the highest quality textiles, with superb

handle, drape and appearance.

Wherever you look, there's a place for PROTEX™

TM

The inherent modacrylic solution.

PROTEX™ is a modified acrylic fibre with permanent flame retardant (FR) qualities. Unlikenon-permanently FR treated cotton, the protective qualities of PROTEX™ don't wear out.Nor does PROTEX™ expose the skin to chemical additives.

Other alternatives can be more expensive in the long run, because not only doPROTEX™ garments protect for a longer time, they also look superior for longer.

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FlexibilityTo widen its specification, PROTEX™can be easily blended withother fibres like nylon and antistatic (see panel below),and can also accept performance enhancing treatments such as Teflon®. PROTEX™ is suitable for both woven and knittedgarments, making it the chosen solution for designers and manufacturers throughout Europe.

SafetyFlame needs oxygen. PROTEX™ limits the spreadof fire by replacing oxygen around the flame withother gases that do not burn. PROTEX™ in its pureform has high FR capabilities, but when blended with cotton or other cellulosics, a synergistic effecttakes place between the fibres and the LOI (LimitingOxygen Index) is improved. Put simply, the FR performance is improved giving an additional safety margin.

ComfortBecause PROTEX™is blended with cotton and similarfibres, the end fabric can provide a level of comfort,softness, air circulation and moisture managementnot normally associated with protective clothing.

LookPROTEX™blendability also provides great design andcolour possibilities. Cationic dyeing allows for a widerange of bright and strong shades to be achieved,unlike some other fibres. Apart from its FR qualities,PROTEX™is impossible to distinguish between non FRgarments by look alone.

DurabilityPROTEX™ based workwear garments exhibit great resilience evenunder industrial laundering. At the same time, they can be easilywashed at home by users in the normal way.

+ Antistatic

+ Nylon

+ Viloft®

+ Aramid+ Wool

+ Viscose

+ Elastane (Lycra®

)

Static charge dispersion

Increased abrasion resistance

Additional thermal properties

Increased strengthIncreased durability

Uniformity in dyeing

Shape retention and comfort

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Meeting theEuropean standardin stylePROTEX™ Fabrics can meet EN531, Parts A, B & C. The basic European standard forworkwear.

Protex™ can meet the following standards, dependent upon composition and construction

EN 531Protective clothing for Industrial workers exposed toheat (excluding firefighters and welders clothing)Index A Limited flame spreadIndex B Convectional heatIndex C Radiant heatIndex D Molten aluminium splashIndex E Molten iron splash

EN 470-1Protective clothing for use in welding and alliedprocesses

EN 1149Protective clothing. Electrostatic properties-1 Surface resistivity-3 Charge decay

EN 533Protective clothing - protection against heat andflame - limited flame spread for materials and material assemblies.

EN 471High visibility

EN 368Chemical resistance

EN 368 type 6Gutter test

CE Marking must be obtained in order to marketany safety garment. (Exclusions may apply accordingto EC Directive 89/686/EEC ANNEX 1)

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When PROTEX™ blend workwear isexposed to flaming, it cchhaarrss ratherthan melts. This means it does notform molten droplets which can burnthe skin. Instead, the char forms aprotective layer which can give thewearer important extra time to getout of the danger area.

Picture supplied courtesy of BTTG

The PROTEX™ safety margin can makeall the difference. In lower-risk situations, even where FR apparel is not a legal requirement,your workforce deserves PROTEX™ protection.

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PROTEX™ occupies the centre groundin workwear

When PROTEX™ is used in a blend with cotton(cellulosic or other fibres) a positive synergisticeffect takes place.

When used in the recommended proportions thecombination of the two fibres increases the LOI(Limiting Oxygen Index) to 35 - a very high FRperformance.

LOI Values of Protex Blends

Fibre Blend Ratio

Protex/Cotton

Protex/Wool

FR Polyester/Cotton

LOI V

alue

s

ARAMIDSHigh Cost Protection in High Risk Situations

PROTEX™

Cost Effective, Inherent Protection in Lower Risk Situations

TREATED COTTONLow Cost Non-permanent Protection in Low Risk Situations

Kaneka Corporation Information

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PROTEX™ can fit your needs with these features and benefits

Blending Fibre • Blends with other fibres• Cost-effective• Combination of different performance fibres• Blended to different levels of performance• Cotton-feel• Comfortable to wear• Good moisture management

Easily Dyed • High Visibility Yellow• Lots of shades• Cationic dyes• Low energy• Cost-effective dyeing

Inherently FR • Permanent(Does not wash out, no • No treatments or retreatmentsdeterioration in FR performance, • No shift in tonesno retreatment, permanent FR • Consistency of colour productionunlike treated fabrics) • More environmentally friendly than treatments

• Added security (safety)• No loss of mechanical properties• More comfortable than treated cotton

Colour Fastness • Aesthetic• Long life• Perceived quality• Withstands many working environments/conditions

Dimensional Stability • Application of finishing treatments at HIGH (std) temperatures• Good laundrability

n

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Waxman Fibres LtdGrove Mills Elland West Yorkshire HX5 9DZ EnglandTel +44 (0) 1422 310600Fax +44 (0) 1422 371391e-mail sales@waxmanfibres.co.ukWebsite www.protexfr.com

Protex™ is manufactured by Kaneka Corporation of Japan anddistributed in Europe by Waxman Fibres Ltd

Protex™ is a registered trademark of Kaneka Corporation

Important NoticeAll information provided in this document, including technical statements,research results, analysis and recommendations, is given on the basis that nowarranties or representations expressed or implied are given or made as toits accuracy. The information given in this document does not and will notform any part of a contract entered into by Waxman Fibres Limited for thesale or supply of the products referred to in it. Waxman Fibres Limitedexcludes all liability arising directly or indirectly out of any reliance upon theinformation given in this document.

The information supplied in this document is supplied as a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice. The Purchaser must carry outits own research, experiments and tests to satisfy itself that the products referred to in this document are suitable for its purpose, and should not relyon any statements made in this document or made by any employee or representative of Waxman Fibres Limited, concerning the use, handling, processing and properties of the said products.

This notice and any contract entered into with Waxman Fibres Limited shallbe construed in accordance with English Law and the Courts of England shallhave exclusive jurisdiction in connection with any claim or dispute arising inrelation thereto.

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