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Is aramid flame-resistant? Meta-aramid vs para-aramid in workwear
Yes. Aramid is a flame-resistant fiber, and its flame resistance is part of the fiber. Meta-aramid is the soft kind used in FR (flame-resistant) clothing. Para-aramid is the strong kind, used in gloves and in small shares of fabric. FR fabrics often blend the two.
- What aramid is
- Meta-aramid and para-aramid
- The papers to ask for
What aramid is
US fiber rules define aramid as a synthetic polyamide. At least 85 percent of its amide links attach directly to two aromatic rings.
- Its cousin: nylon is a polyamide too, with fewer of those links on aromatic rings.
- In a flame: meta-aramid does not melt or drip. It chars.
- On labels: aramid is the generic name in US fiber rules. Labels and ads give the fiber content by generic names.
Meta-aramid and para-aramid, compared
Two fibers from one family, with different jobs in a fabric.
| Compared | Meta-aramid | Para-aramid |
|---|---|---|
| Known for | Flame and heat resistance, and comfort | High strength |
| In FR fabric | Often the main fiber | A small share, for strength |
| After a flame | It chars and does not melt | It helps the fabric hold together |
| Comfort | Comfortable in single-layer garments | Large amounts make garments uncomfortable |
| Other uses | Workwear | Gloves and armor |
Why aramid fabrics are blends
A fabric maker blends fibers for comfort, strength and cost.
- A common mix: mostly meta-aramid, a small share of para-aramid and a little antistatic fiber.
- Other blends: aramid also blends with fibers such as modacrylic. Read the fiber content on the spec sheet.
- Color: aramid is hard to dye, so there are fewer colors than for cotton.
- Sunlight: aramid is sensitive to ultraviolet light. Store it out of the sun.
Which papers to ask for
Each document proves something different.
- The yarn certificate: from the yarn maker. It shows what the yarn is.
- The fabric spec sheet: the fiber content in percent, the weight and the weave.
- A fabric test report: from a lab. It covers the fabric that was tested, on that date.
- The garment certificate: from a certification body, when your program needs a certified garment.
Where these facts come from
Read these for the definitions and the fiber facts. CFR is the US Code of Federal Regulations.
- The definition. Aramid and the other generic fiber names, in 16 CFR 303.7. Legal Information Institute: 16 CFR 303.7
- Fiber names in ads. The fiber content, given at least once, in 16 CFR 303.41. Legal Information Institute: 16 CFR 303.41
- Meta and para. How the two fibers behave in FR fabric, in a US patent. US Patent 8,069,642
- Fabrics that melt. The fabrics to avoid in power work, from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), in 29 CFR 1910.269 Appendix E. OSHA: 1910.269 Appendix E
Questions buyers ask
Is aramid flame-resistant?
Yes. Aramid is a flame-resistant fiber, and its flame resistance is part of the fiber. Meta-aramid does not melt or drip. In a flame, it chars.
What is the difference between meta-aramid and para-aramid?
Meta-aramid is known for flame and heat resistance, and it is often the main fiber in FR fabric. Para-aramid is known for high strength. It is used in gloves, armor and small shares of FR fabric.
Why do FR fabrics mix the two?
Para-aramid adds strength and helps the fabric hold together after a flame. Large amounts make garments uncomfortable, so its share is usually small.
Is aramid the same as nylon?
No. Both are polyamides, but in aramid at least 85 percent of the amide links attach to aromatic rings. That is the definition in the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) fiber rules.
Can aramid be dyed?
Yes, but it is hard to dye, so there are fewer colors than for cotton. Some aramid is colored as fiber, and some fabric is dyed after weaving.
What papers should I ask a factory for?
The yarn certificate, the fabric spec sheet with the fiber content, and a fabric test report from a lab. Add the garment certificate when your program needs one.
Does Sharknits use aramid?
Yes. We make FR workwear to order in aramid fabric, from yarn we buy ourselves. Each order comes with the yarn maker's certificate and a copy of our CE certificate for flame-resistant fabrics (CE is the European product mark). Our aramid twill is 100% aramid.
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What happens next
- We reply with questions and a quote.
- We make one sample for you to check.
- You approve it, and we make your order.
contact@sharknits.com · +1 647 501 5424
Sharknits is a custom clothing manufacturer for brands in the US, with factories in Lahore and Sialkot and a US corporate office near Chicago.