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Polyamide-imide PAI
Polyamide
imide
Introduction
Polyamide-imide is classified in the meta-aramide family. It is
naturally non-flammable, which is a permanent characteristic thanks to its
chemical structure including a high proportion of aromatic structures and
combined double bonds. It is mainly used in heat and fire protective clothing. A
new field of application is the filtrations segment. The trademark of our
product is Kermel.
Kermel is a smooth-surfaced fibre with an almost circular cross-section. This shape, as well as its modulus, make it comfortable and very pleasant to the touch.
The fibre has a very high resistance to abrasion, a thermal conductivity twice as low as any other aramid fibre. It also has an excellent resistance to chemicals.
KermelŪ is solution-dyed during the manufacturing process for lifelong color
fastness . Colours can withstand UV lights and washing
Properties
General
characteristics |
Density |
1,34
g/cm3 |
moisture
regain |
abt.
4% |
Tensile
strength |
40
cN/tex +/- 4 |
elongation
at break |
19%
+/- 2 |
elasticity
modulus |
240
to 320 cN/tex |
shrinkage
in boiling water (15 min.) |
0% |
shrinkage
in dry air (15 min. at 200 degr C) |
0.2% |
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Non flammability
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Polyamide-imide based garments are permanently non-flammable
The physical measurement which
allows to qualify the non-flammability of the material is the
Limited Oxygen Index (LOI). If it is considerably higher than
the oxygen content in atmospheric air (21% approx.), the
combustion of the product cannot sustain itself in a normal
environment.
Kermel
fiber has a LOI of 30-32%
Kermel fibers do not melt when
exposed to high temperatures but slowly char without dripping
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Thermostability
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Polyamide-imide fabrics are stable in flames, and the integrity of the
clothing is sufficient to enable the wearer to move away from the
hazardous area.
Thermostability of a fiber or
fabrics concerns the conservation of mechanical
characteristics and dimensional stability for a given
temperature exposure. For the protective clothing
applications, fabric is required to withstand temperatures of
over 1000 degr C for a few seconds. Kermel is extremely
efficient in this field.
When subjected to flames,
fabrics made from Polyamide-imide retain their integrity and
their dimensions, which means that in addition to acting as a
protective screen, they also maintain the protective layer of
air between the skin and the clothing.
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Thermal insulation
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Polyamide-imide fiber is a very good thermal insulator, which allows
good protection against heat with lightweight fabrics.
Kermel has a thermal
conductivity of 0.04 W/m. degr K
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Resistance to chemicals
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The chemical properties of
Polyamide-imide provide efficient protection against most chemical
agents.
Kermel fiber gives good
resistance to cold acids, even when concentrated, and dilute
alkalis at ambient temperature, when immersed for a fairly
long period. It also withstands most organic solvents (except
highly polar solvents and phenol-based solvents), chlorine
bleach, detergents and water vapor. For short-period contact,
i.e. accidental contact, Kermel has very good qualities as it
retains its integrity and therefore sustains the protective
screen effect.
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Mechanical strength
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The mechanical strength of
Polyamide-imide fiber is ideally suited for making durable, long-wearing
clothing.
Kermel's mechanical data shows
supple and flexible fiber with good elasticity. The fiber also
has a high resistance to abrasion (transversal resistance)
thanks to its amorphous structure. This explains the excellent
durability of the product. |
Comfort
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The low modulus of the fiber is realized in the extreme softness of
Polyamide-imide fabrics and knits
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Gas
emissions |
For applications
where gas emissions are very important, Kermel is a
particularly appropriate solution as the fiber generates
pyrolysis gases with a very low toxic content (HCN and CO),
and the opacity is very low when exposed to a flame. |
Appearance
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Polyamide-imide does not have pilling, i.e. fabrics continue to look as
good as new for a long time
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Color
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Kermel Polyamide-imide is solution dyed during the manufacturing process
for improved color fastness |
Applications
Kermel are used
KermelŪ Polyamide-imide fibers /
yarns / fabrics are mainly used in the manufacture of gloves,
clothing and underwear protecting against heat and flames. It
is used in station wear garments and turnout gear for fire
brigades, in pilot jackets, tank crews coveralls, anti-riot
garments, parkas, work wear coveralls etc. New
developments are particularly dedicated to VIPs, bodyguards,
airlines' uniforms ; markets where protection is combined with
elegance.
The
Army |
Since
thermostable outfits were introduced thirty years ago
for use by the Army's armored vehicle teams, Kermel's
collaboration with army technical staff has
progressively tightened. In France, tank crew and combat
helicopter pilots put their trust in Kermel to protect
them in the heat of the action.
With the combined
anti-flame protection of outfits and underwear, Kermel
fiber allows crew to evacuate an armored vehicle in the
best possible conditions (within approx. 10 seconds) |
Air
Force |
French and
Italian fighter pilots use Kermel flight suits, Kermel
underwear and Kermel bomber jackets. And as for those
back at the base, the fire fighters wear Kermel action
clothing. This guarantees minute-by-minute protection
against exposure to fire or heat flashes. |
Navy |
Every day,
French, Canadian and German crews enjoy the Kermel fiber
experience. From onboard fire fighters to special
forces, at some time they all wear Kermel/FR viscose
shirts, suits, or even balaclavas for unrivalled comfort
and protection on the world's high seas. |
Police
forces |
Many police
forces and national guard units around the world have adopted
Kermel fiber clothing: special intervention
forces, British and French riot squads, the Italian
Carabinieri, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A full
range of products specifically designed for law and
order forces has been developed: oil-repellent fireproof
suits, underwear and other items |
Filtration |
Thanks to its
exceptional performances, Kermel Tech fiber is used for smoke
filtration and increases the reliability and
durability of sleeve-type filters. The fiber has been
approved by several European manufacturers and is
particularly well adapted for use in installations that
operate at high temperatures, i.e. production of metals,
minerals, cements ; energy generation; waste
incineration, etc |
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Grades
- fibers
- tow/tops
- spun yarns
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Presentation
and processability
Kermel fiber is available in
several forms suitable for various types of transformation,
cotton or worsted systems, with various counts. For the
worsted system, Kermel can be supplied as staple fiber or
broken top or carded and combed sliver. The fiber is
supplied already colored. It is solution-dyed before
spinning for lifelong colorfastness. Colors can withstand UV
light and washing. Weaving
and knitting applications
Presentation |
Carded
and combed sliver |
staple
fibers |
Count |
1,7
/ 2,2 dtex |
1,7
/ 2,2 dtex |
Cut
length |
80
- 100 - 120 mm |
40-50
mm or calibrated 60-80-100 or 80-100-120 mm |
Packaging |
500
kg, 400/450 kg and 200/250 kg bale |
170/190
kg bale |
Special
applications
Presentation |
staple
fibers |
Count |
1,7
/ 2,2 / 3,9 / 5,6 / 7,1 dtex |
Cut
length |
40
- 50 - 60 - 90 mm |
For
flocking |
short,
straight fibers of 1 to 10 mm |
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Background
information
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Our
supplier partner
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