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Nomex lab coats are the more expensive lab coats because it flame and heat resistant. Nomex is a specially manufactured fiber by Dupont that provides a unique degree of clothing protection because it thickens, carbonizes and remains intact when exposed to heat. This is referred to as non-break-open protection.
Flame resistant lab coats can mean life and death, from minor burns to major life-threatening injuries. When flame comes into contact with Nomex lab coats the clothing will resist combustion and begins to char only at 700° to 800 °F. Because of this unique thermal protection, the effectiveness of Nomex lab coats is not affected by frequent laundering. That is why the clothing’s fire-protection will not wash out.
Scientist Dr. Wilfred Sweeny discovered Nomex. With this accomplishment, Dr. Sweeney revolutionized firefighting, professional racing and other thermal-related professions. In fact, Dr. Sweeney was among four scientists who were awarded the prestigious Lavoisier Medals of Achievement.
Nomex is a registered trademark of DuPont as a manmade fiber similar to nylon. Whether manufactured with clothing like lab coats, Nomex brand fibers ensure that those who trust it on their garments perform best even in the most extreme conditions imaginable.
Nomex is light in weight (as low as 1.5 ounces per square yard). Its chemical name is poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide), which is produced from the reaction of m-phenylenediamine and isophthaloyl chloride. This unique combination of properties gives Nomex lab coats superior advantages like:
- Excellent resistance to the combination of heat and flame. Temperatures up to 200°C have little or no effect on Nomex lab coats. This thermal stability can be maintained for at least 10 years of continuous exposure at 220°C.
- Strong, resilient, (in the thinner grades) flexible, and good resistance to tearing and abrasion.
- Good resistance to most solvents and by acids and alkalis. It is compatible with all types of varnishes and adhesives, transformer fluids, lubricating oils, and refrigerants.
- Can be cleaned by home or commercial laundering or by dry cleaning procedures. Dry cleaning will reduce the chance of shrinkage.
- Will reduce burns by about 67% compared to untreated cotton.
- Resistance to radiation. Nomex lab coats is essentially unaffected by 800 megarads (8Mgy) of ionizing radiation. After eight times exposure, it still retains its useful mechanical and electrical properties.
- Moisture insensitive.
Nomex is available in two types: Nomex III and Nomex IIIA. Dupont introduced the latter type of Nomex because of current concerns about static electricity. A Nomex IIIA lab coat is a blend of 93% Nomex, 5% Kevlar, which is another DuPont fabric, and 2% static dissipative. Nomex lab coats are specially applied to clothing used by workers involve in electric arcs, petrochemicals, utilities, and other chemical industries. Being resistant to most industrial oils, solvents, and chemicals, a Nomex lab coats is the ideal choice as primary barrier clothing for the medical professionals, lab workers, scientists and even chemical industrialists. Nomex in garments is also considered a premium class of fabrics for rubber reinforcement.
Nomex lab coats are also reported to make clothing comfortable, safe and corporate looking because it can be dyed in a wide range of colors. However, it is not really a “breathable” fabric, thus it tends to get hot in certain situations. Its other disadvantages are the following:
- Decomposes quickly if exposed to chlorine bleach.
- High elongation may require special machine adjustments.
- Very expensive when compared to other types of fabrics
Check out the vast array of Nomex lab coats and medical attire. Sizes generally range from 32 to 56, with more sizes available in some styles. Some offers full-length, knee length, a unisex fit and a variety of solid colors in addition to white. Other features include a five button front closure , Lapel collar ,hemmed sleeve ends ,left breast pocket, bar tacked pencil stall, two lower pockets ,side vent openings, single needle construction and styling ,sewn with Nomex® thread.