PPE: MATERIALS, MACHINERY AND TECHNIQUES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION Protal, the new strength in protective clothing PRODUCTS GALLERY How does Protal work? Fire requires three elements: heat, fuel and oxygen, if you remove any one of these elements, the fire extinguishers. When flames come into contact with Protal blends, the fabric emits small amounts of inert gases that push oxygen out, and fire is extinguished so that the process stops. As soon as the flames die out, the source is eliminated for there is no longer any gas production and all that remains is a carbonized barrier that will not melt, drip or stick to the skin. The carbonization and full protection of fabrics represent an advantage: users have time to react, and are protected at all times. Properties High performance fibres mixed with chemical-free cotton make Protal smooth to the touch, with a great, natural feel. The balanced blend of fibres make fabrics highly efficient in terms of humidity management. Protal flame retardant properties remain unaltered throughout the product’s life cycle, for they are integrated into the fabric, meaning no chemical treatments or re-retreatments. At the same time, there is no need to treat fabrics again to eliminate unpleasant odours, this being an additional advantage of Protal in terms of comfort and care. Performance is never impaired by repeated washing (including industrial), or dry cleaning. Protective clothing made from any of the many Protal blends will remain as good as new, for as long as clothes last. Protal is available also in very lightweight fabrics. The careful balance of fibre blends may be dyed any colour, including hi-vis. This blend of fibres are suitable for woven fabrics, whether protective or not, and may also be used for linings and between leather and linings. The unique blends can achieve many EU, US and Worldwide standards, including EN 11612, EN 15614 and NFPA 2112 Versions Protal 1 is Waxmans’ standard industrial fibre blend featuring the new generation of Protex fibres; the next generation in flame- retardant PPE. People in various sectors take advantage of its properties: petrochemical, security, police, the military. Protal 1 + incorporates So Fresh cellulose fibre, made from 100% natural, sustainable jute contributing antibacterial and antifungal properties. The exclusive combination of fibres in the fabric makes it very strong and resistant, with great absorption and high color brilliance. Protal 3 takes modacrylic blends to a new technical level, the properties offer enhanced protection for welding applications at lighter weights, edge ignition and general metal splash protection. Protal 5 provides a globally compliant solution; fabrics can be lightweight, but still strong as the blends incorporates a rip-stop grid that significantly improves the overall performance of the fabric. 113