Reinforcing high-abrasion areas of firesuits has long been accomplished with traditional materials like leather, externally coated fabrics like Arashield, and extra layers of tough shell fabrics like Millenia. However, the optimum balance of abrasion resistance, flexibility, low water-absorption, durability, and ease of cleaning in an NFPA 1971 certified lightweight material has been elusive. That is, until now.
DragonHide fabric is a newly formulated version of a material that has been in use for over fifteen years in an application that had similar requirements. Initial development research work was aimed at creating a fabric which would provide similar protective functions to those of leather (including abrasion and tear resistance), with greater freedom of movement (flexible and lightweight), high water resistance (and low absorption), and resistance to soiling (easy care). Can you guess the application? Motorcycle racing.
DragonHide fabric weighs 9.7 oz/yd2 (330g/m2) and is made from a blend of 34% para-aramid, 63% aramid, and 3% carbon filament, which is back-coated with a specially formulated polyurethane polymer and impregnated for water, oil, and dirt resistance.
Suede leather remains the king of reinforcements with respect to providing high abrasion resistance. However, leather is relatively heavy, stiffens with age and use, and can in some instances be difficult to decontaminate. Arashield performs extremely well in abrasion resistance, water resistance, and cleaning but is relatively stiff and slippery when used for knee reinforcements, and tends to crack with age or when folded for cuff reinforcement. Outer shell materials are pliable and light, but not highly abrasion resistant or water resistant.
DragonHide fabric combines the benefits of outer shell materials with outstanding abrasion resistance. When subjected to Taber Abrasion Tests using H-18 abrasion wheels and a constant load of 500 grams on each wheel, the results speak for themselves:
Material/Cycles to Failure
DragonHide: 1,600+
Millenia: 600+
Gemini (PBI Matrix): 450 - 500
Other shell fabrics: 250 - 350
DragonHide is available only in the color black, is certified to NFPA 1971, and may be ordered immediately on all models of Globe and Cairns brand firesuits.