Lawrence, Mass.-based Polartec LLC has added a high-performance yarn blend to its flame-resistant (FR) layering system to incorporate flash fire and arc flash dual-hazard protection. Originally developed with the U.S. military and workwear markets and introduced in 2009, the second-generation layering system features FR knits made using the high-performance yarn blend including a 25-percent lighter Polartec? Power Dry? FR baselayer fabric; Power Stretch? High Efficiency grid fleece; Polartec Thermal FR? double-velour fleece; and wind-, rain- and soil-resistant Polartec Wind Pro? FR outerwear sweatshirt fleece. The system meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2112 Flash Fire and NFPA 70E Arc Flash protection standards. Polartec reports all of its FR fabrics are tested in state-of-the-art laboratories, with results confirmed by independent testing.
The same patent-pending technology also will be incorporated into Polartec Power Shield? FR woven and soft shell fabrics currently in the late stages of development.
"After three years of research and development, we're launching this new collection which we feel offers the best combination of inherent flame resistance, performance, comfort and value on the market," said Michael Batson, senior business manager, Polartec, Professional Workwear and Military.
