Alexium extends FR nylon treatment to new varieties

22 Dec '12

2 min read

Alexium International Group Limited announced that Alexium is extending its flame retardant (FR) nylon treatment to nylon/cotton fabric blends. Nylon/Cotton FR treatments represent one of the largest specialty chemical opportunities in the textile market, with the US military purchasing an estimated 27 million linear yards of nylon/cotton fabric in “standard issue” apparel items annually.

Further, commercial applications, such as industrial work-wear, will add large volume market multiples, and thereby represents the largest market opportunity in Alexium’s current project portfolio.

Whilst Alexium’s novel nylon FR treatment is transitioning to production, and commercial rollout with Duro Textiles, Alexium is broadening its development pipeline to pursue the most viable and lucrative applications.

Recent technical developments have demonstrated that FR treatments on nylon blends, such as 50/50 nylon/cotton, are a very attractive target from a technical and commercial perspective.

Alexium plans to collaborate with chemical suppliers, fiber producers, and fabric finishers to develop an affordable FR solution for blended fabrics for the defense and commercial markets.

NyCo fabrics are purchased for nearly 2.2 million US soldiers as “standard issue” fatigue uniforms.

However, while tough and comfortable, these fatigue uniforms melt and drip when exposed to high heat, melting to the skin and causing severe burn injuries. To prevent burn injuries from improvised explosive devices and vehicle fuel fires, the US began to issue fire resistant combat uniforms, such as the FR-ACU, for deploying soldiers.

These FR-ACU’s do not melt or drip, quickly self-extinguish - but also cost nearly twice as much and have not kept up with nylon/cotton blends with respect to durability and service life.

Alexium

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