• F-Protex is a normal polyester which is highly non-flammable, thanks to a phosphor element integrated into its molecular structure. It is self-extinguishing in the case of fire. This self-extinguishing property is permanent and remains after washing.

• F-Protex was developed to provide a solution to fire safety issues. Some special critical uses are: curtains, furniture coverings, bed clothes, nightwear.

• The effectiveness of F-Protex resides in its catalytic prevention process that can be described in terms of the oxygen particles in the air that are needed for the product to catch fire. A normal polyester will catch fire at an oxygen level of 22%, Setila FR does not begin to burn until it reaches a LOI of 36%. Our experience is that fibres with a LOI of < 27-28% are highly non-flammable.

• By using normal dyes and normal finishing conditions there is no influence on the LOI. However, it was possible to reduce the LOI:
  - by increasing the concentration of the dye
  - by not proceeding to reductive cleaning
  - by using heat-setting

We do recommend that the following advice is followed for dying and finishing:

• the dye material should first of all be optimally cleaned to remove any skim layers or oils. Oils have renowned flammability properties. Use non-ionogenic washing substances.

• Flame-resistant polyesters have a more open structure that takes dye more rapidly. Increase the dye temperature slowly: 1°C/min up to 90°C, followed by a 15-minute break, then increase further to 120°C, dyeing time 30 - 45 min. Use a non-ionogenic dispersion material.

• Use optimal reductive cleaning. This will exert a positive influence on the flame resistance and will improve colour fastness.

• Dry at a temperature below 140°C, otherwise the LOI will not be as good.

Properties: Highly non-flammable and self-extinguishing

Use: Curtains, furniture coverings, bed clothes, nightwear, seating on public transport vehicles

F-Protex has been awarded the Oekotex 100 Standard Certificate.

Setila AG in Widnau (Decora, POY, Cops) has not been able to find a solution with a new investor to guarantee continuation and therefore is now definitely shutting down the production at the end of September 2005. Below please find the official good bye lines from Widnau.

The management and the staff of SETILA AG Widnau Switzerland, would like to express all our gratitude for these numerous years of the loyal cooperation in spite of the difficulties we had to handle with. The long history of our businesses finishes with stopping the production end of this month. 
After numerous successive and social plans and a situation which has gotten worse from day to day, we think that we have made the maximum to find a solution for SETILA AG and to gratify sufficiently about your wishes. 
We wish you for your future health and prosperity for your business as well as for your personal projects. We close the book of the SETILA AG, but we will open others. 
With faithful and cordial greetings. 
The Management 
The staff of the SETILA AG Widnau Switzerland
Fernand Fürst

Of course we all at Swicofil would have wished a solution with Widnau continuing to be the production site. 

Setila SA in Valence (FDY, POY) is a separate legal entity and as such not hit by the situation of Widnau. Swicofil will continue to sell the rawwhite Valence products.

For all current Swicofil sales which came out of Setila AG Widnau we have worked out a substitution plan and we will be providing the customers in the same good tradition with products of an excellent quality and an impeccable service. Looking forward to continue serving you with polyester textile filament yarns both in rawwhite and spundyed.