INDURA® Technology

INDURA^® TECHNOLOGY

STATE-OF-THE-ART FINISHING TECHNOLOGY

Westex guarantees the flame resistance of INDURA® Ultra Soft® and INDURA® fabrics for the life of the garment. We achieve this durability through our advanced proprietary processing controls. This high level of performance is achieved by Westex’s proprietary treatment process, which combines advanced custom engineered machinery with sophisticated computer equipment to conduct the "ammonia cure" system. A high quality phosphonium salt precondensate flame retardant chemical is applied and polymerized with gaseous ammonia forming a long-chain flame retardant polymer impregnated into the core of each cotton fiber. This guarantee has been demonstrated in laboratory testing and through the auditing of samples from the millions of garments in the protective clothing marketplace for over a decade. Testing is performed on every lot of Indura Ultra Soft and Indura in Westex's government certified laboratory. There has never been an instance of failure to meet original FR requirements, when garments were properly maintained throughout their useful life.

How Does INDURA® Compare To Other FR fabrics?

Engineering flame resistance into fabrics can be achieved either through the application of a flame retardant chemical, as with INDURA engineered fabrics, or as a property of a synthetic fiber, such as Nomex. Since passing the vertical flammability requirements is an essential criterion for protective clothing fabrics, viable flame resistant fabrics should remain flame resistant throughout their useful service life. INDURA Ultra Soft, INDURA and Nomex fabrics are acceptable for protective clothing because they each self-extinguish and pass the vertical flame test throughout their service life; therefore, additional more specific tests should be employed to assist in comparing the protective characteristics of each fabric. The performance of INDURA Ultra Soft and INDURA to electric arc and flash fire exposures will be compared to Nomex later in this brochure.

How Does INDURA® Self Extinguish?

In INDURA engineered fabrics, the flame retardant chemical impregnated in the core of the cotton fiber acts as a catalyst promoting the charring of the fabric. This accelerated charring prohibits the support of combustion by reducing the fuel source. The flame retardant chemical acts in the solid phase to produce this char. The mechanism of action is not based on a gaseous process of extinguishing or "snuffing out" the flame.

Please consult with the fabric supplier, garment manufacturer and launderer for recommendations of proper cleaning techniques.