Flame Resistant Garments with Modacrylic Fibers

DRIFIRE garments are Flame Resistant. But what does that really mean? How is that actually achieved? And the most important question of all perhaps is: Does it work?

While DRIFIRE garments have been designed to provide best-in-class performance, they were also engineered to provide flame resistant protection by using inherently flame resistant modacrylic fibers. Modacrylic was originally invented by Union Carbide in 1949. Traditional uses of the fiber include children’s clothing, plush toys, carpeting, furniture upholstery and wigs. Modacrylic is the fiber of choice for these uses due to the combination of the flame resistance of the fiber and the soft feel, making it comfortable for everyday use. DRIFIRE chose modacrylic fiber as the flame resistant foundation for the DRIFIRE Performance FR system as it met the defined requirements: flame resistance, comfort and compatibility with the Dri-release performance technology patent.

Modacrylic is a no melt, no drip, self extinguishing fiber that forms a char-barrier when exposed to intense heat and / or flame. Like other FR fibers, DRIFIRE actively works to maintain fabric integrity by off-gasing in the presence of flame to starve the fire of oxygen. When the flame is removed, an inert char barrier is left behind that cools immediately, and does not melt or drip onto the skin.

DRIFIRE is a flame resistant garment, not a flame proof garment. DRIFIRE is self extinguishing and is designed to provide you a layer or multiple layers of no melt, no drip protection and increasing levels of Thermal Protective Properties (depending on the weight of the fabric). While DRIFIRE is not designed to provide absolute protection from flame or flash fire, it provides a layer or multiple layers of thermal protection with no melt or drip properties. DRIFIRE is not intended to be used as protection from prolonged exposure to flame, and misuse could cause significant bodily harm.

DRIFIRE Flame Resistant capabilities are engineered into the fabric, by using modacrylic fibers, so our performance will not wear-out or breakdown over time. DRIFIRE provides you peace of mind every time you put it on.