Nomex® and Kevlar® fibers can be found in most firefighter gear. Together, these innovative fibers help provide proven protection, durability, and comfort from the inside out.

Firefighters have a heavy load to bear — their turnout gear shouldn’t add to it. So DuPont fibers help manufacturers create fire resistant liners, outer shells, and accessories that not only stand up to the thermal hazards they may face, but also help them get the job done without getting in the way of mobility.

We do this with science-based innovations such as Nomex® and Kevlar® brand fibers, and constantly research unique ways they can be used to help improve protection. Unlike other materials and fibers available, gear and accessories made with Nomex® fiber are inherently flame-resistant and won’t melt, drip, or support combustion in the air. And the thermal protection offered by Nomex® is permanent — its superior flame resistance cannot be washed out or worn away. Kevlar® helps manufacturers enhance the overall durability and strength of lightweight turnout gear outer-shell-and-thermal-liner systems. It is five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis, yet is lightweight, comfortable, and thermally protective.

Both of these innovative fibers are found in each layer of most turnout gear for ultimate protection:

The Outer Shell

DuPont™ Nomex® and Kevlar® fibers are engineered together and sometimes with other high-temperature fibers to form materials that help stand up to heat, stay strong, and protect the inner components. Kevlar® filament is engineered into premium fabrics to help reduce fabric profile while strengthening fabrics to new levels of performance. Durable DuPont™ Teflon® HT water repellent treatments help keep the gear lighter and prevent water from compromising valuable air layers that provide the bulk of the garments' thermal insulation.

The Moisture Barrier

Fabrics made of Nomex® fiber and DuPont™ Nomex® E89™ non-wovens help the most trusted and reliable moisture barrier manufacturers provide strong flame-resistant substrates for their liquid-impermeable films. The moisture barrier helps protect against the intrusion of water, chemicals, and viral agents. These barriers are also breathable, which allows metabolic heat to escape and helps reduce the overall heat stress during strenuous activities.

The Thermal Liners

Nomex® and Kevlar® fiber batts and Nomex® E89™ non-wovens are combined with face cloths made with Nomex® and Kevlar® fiber to help provide durable, flexible, heat-insulating components. Thermal liners made with multi-layer Nomex® E89™ non-wovens are among the thinnest, most flexible, most breathable components on the market. Face cloths using Kevlar® filament yarns help reduce surface friction, improving overall garment mobility. Water-wicking or -repellent finishes on individual layers improve moisture management and reduce garment-drying time.