Thermal Protective Performance

Thermal Protective Performance

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CarbonX®; Breaking the Barrier in Fire Safety Standards

The Thermal Protective Performance, or TPP is another rating system that has been used for years. This applies to the garment’s ability to provide TPP when exposed to both direct flame and radiant heat, or the length of time before a person is subject to second-degree burns. After extensive TPP, flammability and shrinkage test comparisons between the leading FR fabrics and CarbonX®, based on the autoracing industry SFI standards, the results indicate it is time to take a serious look at upgrading the standards. At approximately 600° f., the leading FR fabrics burn, begin to shrink while charring, then crack and decompose. This is all in about 10 seconds. Under flammability testing, the FR fabrics will ignite and they often have problems passing the shrinkage test. Under the same conditions, CarbonX® is not affected in any way. It even disburses the heat energy and will take about 60 seconds before the heat will start penetrating the next layer of fabric. CarbonX® will not ignite or burn even when exposed to temperatures exceeding 2600° f. for over 120 seconds. As far as material shrinkage, it does not exist with CarbonX®.