ER Gear Explorer

Integrating Nomex^® Nano Flex with hood’s composite structure provides improved particle barrier protection in the neckline and upper jaw – the most vulnerable and least protected parts, resulting in up to a 4X increase in particle barrier efficiency.

Results	Aerosol Mass (µm)
Sample Number	Head Form 1 No Barrier	Head Form 2 No Barrier	Head Form 3 No Barrier	Head Form 4 With Barrier
1	4.45	BDL*	6.38	BDL
2	22.27	BDL	18.50	BDL
3	4.77	BDL	13.45	BDL
4	22.86	BDL	18.67	BDL
Sum of Four Head Samples	54.35	n/a	57.00	n/a
Exterior of Helmet Face Shield	34.66	93.72	58.16	66.32
*BDL - Below Minimum Detection Limit. MDL = 0.18µm

Nomex^® Nano Flex is an elastic, air permeable, heat resistant, continuous polymer fiber based non-woven material with low bulk density used in hood applications.

Nomex^® Nano Flex creates a barrier that can help dramatically reduced particle penetration.

Nomex^® Nano Flex Thermal Protection Improved TPP by 25%

Breathability Superior THL and Air Permeability

Air permeability (CFM/FT2 @ 0.5” H20)

Control vs Nomex^® Nano Flex

Control

This Fluorescent Aerosol Screening Test (FAST) was conducted on two layer Nomex^® knit hood (CONTROL) configuration with helmet (no ear flaps) and SCBA. Test was done at RTI (Test Number 2322, DOD Test Operations Procedure 10-2-022 modified for head form).

Nomex^® Nano Flex

This Fluorescent Aerosol Screening Test (FAST) was conducted on Nomex^® knit | Nomex^® Nano Flex | Nomex^® Knit hood configuration with 100% Nomex^® Nano Flex coverage with helmet (no ear flaps) and SCBA. This is a prototype design for internal testing only. Test was performed at RTI (Test Number 2322, DOD Test Operations Procedure 10-2-022 modified for head form).

These conditions may not be typical of the conditions encountered in actual situations. The results of these tests are only predictions under these specific laboratory conditions. The user is solely responsible for any interpretations of the test data provided by DuPont.

Performance

Performance Criteria	NFPA1971 Proposed Standard	Nomex^® Nano Flex
Particle Blocking Efficiency	>= 90% (0.1-1 µm) After 10 (wash & dry) After 2 heat cycles	>95%)
Comfort - THL	>=325 W/m2	=350
Durability – Burst Strength	>= 51 lbs (single layer) = 102 lbs (composite)	> 102 lbs (composite)

Wear Trails

Performance of hoods with and without Nomex^® Nano Flex. All Hoods worn by firefighters in Wear Trials (15-minute wood and straw fire, 15 minute wood and straw fire, 10 minute wood & synthetic couch fire).