CarbonX is the brand name behind the products produced by Chapman Thermal Products. CarbonX in its raw form, is a yarn created by spinning O-PAN (oxidized polyacrylonitrile) fiber with an Aramid strenghthening fiber. This formula results in a yarn with amazing fire resistant characteristics that serves as the precursor to a wide array of products and applications requiring heat and flame resistance. The CarbonX yarn can then be converted into an array of fabrics ranging from woven fabrics, knitted fabrics and non-woven felts.

To better understand the differences between CarbonX® and competitive products such as Nomex, Kevlar, PBI, Proban, Basofil and Panox, among others, one must first understand the technical functions and objectives relating to these products.

The basic concept and definition of a high performance FR fabric is usually considered a manmade fiber with a continuous operating temperature ranging between 375° to 600° f. The fibers are classified as having favorable characteristics in at least one of the following performance properties: operating temperature, the limit of heat transfer, tensile strength when exposed to high temperature, chemical resistance and, LOI. Most of the FR fabrics currently used for FR safety applications perform well in one, sometimes two of these areas, CarbonX® performs extremely well with all of these performance properties and more. CarbonX® also has the highest LOI rating of any FR fabric available.

Torch Testing

CarbonX® yarns and fabrics will not burn when exposed to intense heat or flame, because the actual fibers will carbonize and then expand, eliminating any oxygen content within the fabric. This performance relative to heat and flame is why CarbonX® outperforms and is superior to any and all FR fibers and fabrics currently available. Temperature and flame retardancy are often confused. Flame retardancy is commonly measured by the LOI, the amount of oxygen needed in the atmosphere to support combustion. Fibers / fabrics with an LOI greater than 25 are said to be flame retardant, meaning there must be at least 25% oxygen present for the fabric to burn. Obviously, the higher the LOI, the more fire retardant the fabric is. The LOI rating for the majority of the FR fabrics on the market is usually achieved by adding a flame retardant finish to the fiber or fabric, which results in deterioration after continued UV exposure and normal laundry care. CarbonX®, on the other hand, is also a manmade fiber but is never treated with any additives or chemicals. UV exposure, laundry and chemicals will not significantly effect the performance properties.

Another relevant rating system that has been used for years is the Thermal Protective Performance, or TPP. This applies to the garment's ability to provide thermal protection when exposed to both direct flame and radiant heat, and the length of time before a person is subject to second-degree burns. After extensive TPP, flammability and shrinkage test comparisons between the leading FR fabrics and CarbonX®, based on the autoracing industry SFI standards, the results show CarbonX is a superior product. At approximately 600° f., the leading FR fabrics burn, begin to shrink while charring, then crack and decompose. This is all in about 10 seconds. Under flammability testing, the FR fabrics will ignite and they often have problems passing the shrinkage test. Under the same conditions, CarbonX® is not effected in any way. It even disburses the heat energy and will take about 60 seconds before the heat will start penetrating the next layer of fabric. CarbonX® will not ignite or burn even when exposed to temperatures exceeding 2600° f. for over 120 seconds. As for material shrinkage, it does not exist with CarbonX®. See testing results.

As with many of the fire retardant fabrics on the market, CarbonX® offers numerous applications for many products in many industries. CarbonX® goes beyond the norm in regards to thermal barrier shielding, radiant heat deflection, minimum heat conductivity and it's incredible ability to not ignite, burn, char, shrink or decompose. CarbonX® also has excellent moisture regain along with minimal moisture retention.

Products manufactured with CarbonX® are in the hundreds and are present in all the major industry segments - Fire and Safety Apparel, Industrial Safety Apparel, Motor Sports, Police / Military and Industrial Non-Apparel . From fire fighting turnout gear to head socks, complete underwear, socks and shoelaces. Airline cargo holds, crew ship and hotel fire escape blankets. High performance turbo and exhaust insulation for increased horsepower. Complete auto racing suits and helmet interior lining and insulation. The applications where CarbonX® will improve and enhance many performance and safety properties are endless.