W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., announced the commercial introduction of GORE PYRAD Flame Retardant technology, a new laminate technology that offers an optimal combination of thermal / flashover burn protection, environmental protection, and comfort. GORE PYRAD Flame Retardant is a durably bonded laminate solution that allows manufacturers to integrate Flame Retardant (FR) performance into protective outerwear where traditional (non-FR) textiles, such as nylon and polyester, are used.
GORE PYRAD Flame Retardant offers highly efficient thermal protection per unit weight and demonstrates excellent flame and burn performance in Pyroman (ASTM F 1930) testing, and retains this feature, even after contamination of fuels, oils and lubricants. Garments made with GORE PYRAD Flame Retardant also exhibit best-in-class mechanical integrity after flashover exposure with very low shrinkage and no break-open.
GORE PYRAD Flame Retardant, when used in conjunction with nylon and polyester face fabrics (which are abrasion and pilling resistant), ensures durability and comfort while adding very little in terms of weight and water pickup. GORE PYRAD Flame Retardant can be constructed with a wide range of fabric options in a variety of camouflage prints and colors that are notably more colorfast to light and laundry (than most traditional FR face textiles).
The first commercial applications incorporating GORE PYRAD Flame Retardant are military outerwear and workwear such as in-weather protective clothing for oil & gas use. The technology is also currently being evaluated for use in handwear, footwear, tents/shelters and other applications, where fire retardation is essential.
