TenCate Protective Fabrics has announced that its TenCate Defender M protective fabric for combat uniforms of the United States military is now being evaluated for use in fire fighters’ garments.

Engineered with patented, inherently flame-resistant properties that are said not to wash out or wear out, TenCate Defender M is claimed to be ideal for use as a thermal liner for fire fighters’ turnout gear.

According to TenCate, standard issue for every ground soldier deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, TenCate Defender M flame resistant fabric has earned praise from military leaders for its effectiveness in protecting deployed personnel from flame-related hazards such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“TenCate Defender M is ideal for use as a thermal liner for fire fighters’ turnout gear; because it is engineered with patented, inherently flame-resistant properties that will not wash out or wear out. It is breathable and naturally wicks perspiration away from the body, yet is lightweight and comfortable enough for station wear shirts, jackets and pants,” a spokesperson for the company said today.

“Because TenCate Defender M was designed for the military, it also has excellent resistance to wear, tear and fading”, says Elliad Granger, marketing manager at TenCate Protective Fabrics. “This ensures a longer life and greater value, for fire fighters turnout gear as well. TenCate Defender M is a cost-efficient option for garments worn by wildland fire fighters, as it is priced lower than other flame-resistant fabrics currently available.”

TenCate Defender M is a tri-blend fabric of 65 percent Lenzing FR Rayon, 25 percent para-aramid, and 10 percent nylon. Traditionally produced in prints required by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, the fabric is now available in a variety of colours, including solids and camouflage prints, to meet the needs of both structural and wildland fire fighting organizations.

TenCate Defender M is part of the TenCate’s line of inherently flame-resistant fabrics for fire fighting, military, industrial and emergency response apparel. According to TenCate it meets and exceeds the following protection standards: NFPA 1971, 1977, 1975, and CGSB 155.1. Commercial fabric availability is expected late third quarter 2010.