Home / News / DuPont & LION to offer protective gear for firefighters

DuPont & LION to offer protective gear for firefighters

31 Jan '13

5 min read

DuPont and LION have collaborated on a new offering for firefighters and first responders: gear that protects, from the inside-out with the most advanced blends of DuPont Kevlar filament and DuPont Nomex and Kevlar staple. LION, a global leader in protective gear for first responders, was the first company to adopt new Kevlar products in blends with Nomex to provide maximum protection.

LION's Janesville V-Force garments with new Kevlar filament-based outer shells and thermal liners offer game-changing comfort and strength, using Kevlar and Nomex for added comfort, mobility and durability. Coupled with DuPont materials, LION's design for its V-Force turnout gear, for example, is more comfortable and provides more safety features than common firefighting coats because its tailored cut differs significantly from other available models and it provides a unique fit for better mobility, less physiological burden and enhanced ruggedness.

“LION and DuPont have been collaborating on advanced materials and new designs for decades. It is a relationship that is rooted in market-driven science and innovation,” said Thomas G. Powell, president of DuPont Protection Technologies. “Increased hazards around the world, especially in growing urban environments, require advanced materials that provide maximum protection for those who protect us every day. Kevlar and Nomex are the leading protection brands, steeped in a history of proven performance and advanced testing and technologies.

“One of our biggest challenges is looking ahead to predict the risks and hazards that workers will be exposed to in the future, so that we have the time required to develop protection that meets all needs,” Powell added. “An even bigger challenge is providing the necessary protection in a form that does not restrict the worker from performing his or her job, is comfortable and is cost effective. Balancing these sometimes conflicting objectives can be difficult. It requires an understanding of hazards, human factors, technology and economics. Our work with LION is a great example of how we continue to achieve and improve upon these goals.”

“Both LION and DuPont know that the best way we can provide value to our first-responder customers is by listening to their challenges and needs and then responding with solutions that improve their comfort and safety in the line of duty,” said Steve Schwartz, chief executive officer of LION. “Our joint obsession with capturing customer input and using it to deliver a continuous stream of game-changing products and services separates us from other companies that serve our markets.”

Every layer of LION's firefighter protective apparel includes Kevlar and Nomex, either alone or in blends. They are critical materials in three key layers: a tough outer shell with cut- and flame- resistance; a moisture barrier that prevents penetration of liquid and blood-borne pathogens; and a thermal liner that provides efficient thermal insulation while not restricting user mobility.

DuPont and LION collaborate with fire departments around the world to test new fiber technologies and thermal protection within firefighter gear. DuPont Nomex can withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit (370 degrees Celsius). Skin can burn instantly at temperatures of 175 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius). Nomex and Kevlar are inherently fire-resistant and do not need to be treated. Tested through DuPont's rigorous Thermo-Man unit, they are both self-extinguishing and durable.

DuPont sees the industry migrating to increased blends of Kevlar and Nomex. In addition to Nomex, which is best known for its fire protection, there is growing interest in Kevlar for its cut-resistance and increased strength. Kevlar adds toughness and durability to the garments, providing more protection from the harsh environments firefighters and first responders face. Nomex provides better comfort and day-to-day wearability.

LION is a leading provider of protective clothing for first responders. The company continues its focus and commitment to meet the individual needs of customers worldwide. Key fire service brands include LION Janesville turnout gear, LION StationWear, LION Protective Gloves, LION Technical Footwear and LION Helmets. LION also is the leading manufacturer and supplier of chemical and biological protective garments to many SWAT teams and Special Forcesunits in the law enforceement and military markets with its LION CBRN products.

Protective Textile

Leave your Comments

RECOMMENDED

US’ Milliken & Company develops FR fabrics for NASA’s Artemis missions
Protective Textile

American brand AmorSui expands PPE product line
Protective Textile

UK’s BitePRO launches advanced Strongtex anti-ligature clothing brand
Protective Textile

Australia’s Ansell to acquire Kimberly-Clark's PPE biz for $640 mn
Protective Textile

US’ Fire-Dex launches non-fluorinated barrier for firefighter gear
Protective Textile

US company Galls completes acquisition of LVI
Protective Textile

Former US firefighter launches fire-resistant apparel company
Protective Textile

Can India's defence export boom bolster technical textile exports?
Protective Textile

DuPont & LION to offer protective gear for firefighters

Leave your Comments

Weekly technical textiles newsletter

ABOUT TECHNICAL TEXTILES

Main LINKS

Quick Links

Follow us