NIJVERDAL, The Netherlands — May 29, 2015 — TenCate Protective Fabrics in Europe is launching new thermal barrier and liner fabrics for use in firefighting turnout gear, based on the TenCate Defender™ M flame-resistant fabrics already used for military combat uniforms. These new fabrics for firefighter turnout gear use TenCate Coolderm™ technology to provide better insulation and protection from heat while offering an evaporative cooling effect to keep the skin cooler and drier. This contributes to a reduction in the heat stress suffered by firefighters and further increases their overall safety. The introduction will be at the forthcoming Interschutz 2015 international trade fair in Hannover, Germany.
The introduction of these new TenCate Defender M thermal barriers and liners with TenCate Coolderm technology widens the options for complete layered systems for firefighter turnout gear. Together with TenCate’s extremely strong and light outer shell fabrics these combinations make the most advanced layered systems for firefighters available on the market.
Heat Stress Reduction: TenCate Coolderm Technology
The patented breakthrough, flame-resistant fabric technology was originally developed for the US Army in TenCate Defender M. Currently it protects military personnel in combat uniforms in various countries. “We have taken our successful flame-resistant fabric technology and used it to develop innovative new thermal barriers and liners for firefighter turnout gear. Active moisture-wicking enables body temperature to be better regulated”, explains Ralf Schellen, director Market Sector at TenCate Protective Fabrics in Europe.
By dispersing sweat to a wider area on the fabrics’s surface, evaporation is expedited. Allowing the moisture to pass rapidly through the fabric and away from the skin, it regulates the body temperature. “The inherently flame-resistant fibres, inherently wicking properties and excellent breathability of TenCate Coolderm technology allows fabrics to be softer and cooler without any harsh chemical treatments or finishes, providing enhanced comfort and safety for firefighters.”
Posted June 1, 2015
Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics
