National Nonwovens has introduced Ultra-ProTechtor, a fire blocker for aircraft seating dress covers. Ultra-ProTechtor is a nonwoven lightweight flame barrier utilizing Ultem polymer and newly developed Ultem fibres by Sabic Innovative Plastics.

“Ultra-ProTechtor is engineered to provide ultra-flammability protection with superior performance at a lower weight and lower cost,” said Anthony Centofanti, CEO and President at National Nonwovens.

“Although it was initially designed for the Aerospace Market, Ultra-ProTechtor can also greatly benefit other markets that have modes of transportation requiring fire-blockers.”

According to National, the enhanced construction of Ultra-ProTechtor provides increased stability along with significant property improvements, including: low smoke density and toxicity, water repellence, low heat release, high puncture resistance, and improved fire-blocking protection at a lighter weight.

 In addition, it is said to have excellent seam, tear and tensile strength resulting in less stretch and is formaldehyde free. The Massachusetts based company says Ultra-ProTechtor was also tested and met FAR25-853-A and C amendments 25-116-appendex F part II by two independent US laboratories.

National says Ultra-ProTechtor combines its advanced engineering with the superior Ultem fibre technology and the result is material that is inherently more fire-resistant than Aramids.

The company says Ultra-Protector has a higher Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) rating than either Nomex or Kevlar. “LOI is an index that rates the fire-resistance properties according to the minimum concentration of oxygen, expressed as a percentage. The higher the number, the greater resistance of the polymer to support a flame; Ultra-ProTechtor has an LOI of 44 while Nomex has an LOI of 26 and Kevlar has an LOI of 31,” National says.

Based in Easthampton, Massachusetts, National Nonwovens is a leading manufacturer of needle punched nonwovens, engineering innovative high performance product solutions and superior quality felt for markets such as Aerospace, Ballistics, Craft, Home Furnishings, Filtration, and Medical.