DuPont, the science-based products and services company, recently unveiled its new patented smart-fiber technology that gives firefighters up to 20 per cent more thermal performance under emergency conditions.

Nomex On Demand, DuPont’s latest offering in advanced fibers, is expected to be an important addition to fire-fighting equipment.

The term 'smart-fiber technology' refers to the ability of the new material — initially for use in thermal liners in firefighter turnout gear — to detect emergency conditions and automatically expand to trap more air for greater thermal insulation.

In emergency conditions, air temperatures can exceed hundreds of degrees.

Nomex On Demand is specifically engineered to react and expand when temperatures reach 250 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

In routine conditions, thermal liners made with Nomex On Demand remain thin and flexible, providing excellent thermal protection and good mobility.  Once activated, it continues to provide maximum thermal protection, when and where it is needed.

'DuPont Nomex On Demand is the first smart-fiber technology that helps protect lives,' stated Thomas G Powell, vice president and general manager, DuPont Advanced Fiber Systems.

'We are committed to protecting firefighters and other emergency responders with innovative products that will help enable them to perform their jobs as safely as possible.'

The new technology is commercially available in the US and Canada and will be available globally in late 2009.

While initially available in firefighter gear, DuPont is reviewing additional applications for Nomex On Demand including auto racing, where 95 per cent of today’s drivers wear suits made of DuPont Nomex; wildfire control; oil and gas operations; and military uses.

DuPont estimates the demand for fire protection gear in the US alone at almost $300 million.

The new material meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and has been certified for use by Underwriters Laboratories.-TradeArabia News Service