Trans-Textil presents new generation of particularly light flame-retardant textile components with exceptional moisture management
The requirements for modern heat protection clothing are complex: they should offer a high level of protection and be as light as possible. Multi-layer multifunctional structures protect the wearer from heat and flames, wind and rain as well as from liquid chemicals and toxic particles.
At the same time, a high level of thermophysiological comfort is required in order to keep the physical strain on the helpers as low as possible, because heat stress is one of the biggest risk factors in all demanding operational situations.
With the new generation of Topaz FX lining fabrics and laminates, Trans-Textil GmbH offers a patented system that is highly breathable, efficiently transports sweat, optimally cools the body and thus reduces heat stress. The new Topaz FX products are extremely light and have an excellent protective effect despite their low weight.
They will be presented by Trans-Textil at Interschutz Hannover (booth A02, hall 015) as well as at Techtextil Frankfurt (hall 12.1).
The problem of heat stress
A person sweats about 200-700 milliliters per day on a skin area of about two square meters with average physical exertion. In action, firefighters sweat between one and two liters in just 30 minutes! The sweat produced by human skin cannot be released into the environment quickly enough through heavy and poorly breathable clothing – natural body cooling is reduced and heat build-up occurs.
If the body is exposed to such a situation for a long time, the cardiovascular system is subject to extreme stress. This heat stress can even be fatal. Most firefighters’ injuries are also due to slipping, stumbling and falling accidents. This risk also increases due to overload in the form of heat stress, which accelerates muscle exhaustion and affects cognitive abilities.
In addition to physical fitness, optimized clothing concepts and innovative materials are crucial to reduce heat stress. They combine protective function, comfort, moisture management and temperature regulation. The operational clothing has developed significantly thanks to new functional fabrics. The clothing is based on elements from sports and leisure garments for increased freedom of movement, function and well-being.
Topaz 251 Hightech PU-Membrane-system: 100% PU – 100% Performance
The construction of functional textiles themselves also plays an important role in relieving the relief forces. In the multi-layer laminate, robust and highly breathable membrane systems serve as protective moisture barriers against liquids and particles from the outside and at the same time ensure that body moisture is reliably released to the environment.
As a proprietary development of Trans-Textil, the Topaz 251 membrane system meets the highest requirements in application and processing. The in-house formulation of high-temperature-resistant polyurethane forms the basis for the extremely flexible application options.
The bi-elastic Topaz 251 membrane is characterized by high heat resistance and breathability as well as reliable waterproofness. This makes it the versatile basis for high-performance laminates in the areas of certified PPE and multi-standard protective clothing, firefighting clothing, government clothing, reusable medical products and components for safety shoes. To ensure that the seams keep what the laminate promises in everyday use of functional clothing, Trans-Textil also offers compatible seam sealing tapes for all laminate types.
Relief through innovative material concepts
The decisive factor is the targeted coordination of all material components. Because the higher the ambient temperature, the more important it is to cool the body. This only works if the lining materials already absorb moisture and transport it away from the body. “This performance of lining materials is often underestimated. Too often you focus on the properties of the outer material, the performance is reduced to flame resistance and strength.
We have recognized that the lining, as the innermost layer and direct connection to the body, plays an essential role in terms of moisture management, body heat transport and breathability, ”says Dipl.-Ing. Wilhelm Krings, managing director of Trans-Textil GmbH.
The “pull and push effect” can be used in the overall concept of the materials. The combination of water-repellent (hydrophobic) and water-attracting (hydrophilic) fiber materials in the moisture-dynamic structure of Topaz FX clearly favors climate regulation in the clothing network.
Topaz FX: Intelligent moisture management, lower weight and maximum breathability
Conventional production methods for flame-retardant textiles often reach their limits in further optimization. To produce lighter fabrics you need very fine yarns and special constructions. With Topaz FX, Trans-Textil has for the first time succeeded in creating tailor-made zones from high and low absorption areas in just one textile area.
Liquid sweat is actively transported away from the body by a moisture-dynamic grid in a permanent 3D structure, spread over a large surface and can evaporate faster. In addition, reduced weight and measurably faster drying improve moisture management, increase comfort and reduce the risk of heat stress.
The patented Topaz FX technology can be applied to other textile materials for 2- or 3-layer laminates, base layers (functional underwear), head protection hoods or liners. Due to the individual design of functional zones, the concept not only offers excellent sweat management, but also unique opportunities for individual design in heat protection clothing as well as for public authorities, industrial or sports clothing.
