Zetex fabrics were invented by

Bal Dixit Bal Dixit founded Newtex in 1978 after being one of the first researchers to formulate a viable alternative to asbestos in fire safety gear. In 1977, he started work on developing a product he would later call Zetex in response to the impending asb ...

in 1978. This highly texturized

fiberglass Fiberglass (American English) or fibreglass (English in the Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth English) is a common type of fibre-reinforced plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fiber. The fibers may be randomly arranged, flattened i ...

fabric exhibits many of the same properties as

asbestos Asbestos ( ) is a group of naturally occurring, Toxicity, toxic, carcinogenic and fibrous silicate minerals. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous Crystal habit, crystals, each fibre (particulate with length su ...

, such as resistance to heat, corrosion and rot resistance, outstanding electrical properties, ability to withstand molten metal, and

thermal insulation Thermal insulation is the reduction of heat transfer (i.e., the transfer of thermal energy between objects of differing temperature) between objects in thermal contact or in range of radiative influence. Thermal insulation can be achieved with s ...

. However, it does not carry the same health risks.

Testing

Zetex has been tested against asbestos to prove it is a good replacement. Two Zetex filaments were created, one with a 9 um diameter (G) and a 6 um diameter (DE).

Physical Properties

Chrysotile, the most commonly encountered form of

, has a density of 40 oz/yd², while Zetex G has a density of 35 oz/yd², and Zetex DE has a density of 32 oz/yd². Other physical properties are listed in the table below:

Temperature rise testing

A glove was fabricated from this material to allow for further testing to be done. A thermocouple was used to test the inside temperature of the glove while holding a 600°F(316°C) pipe. A measure was taken to see how long it took the inside to reach 140°F. Both gloves included the same wool liner. Another test was done with a 1200°F(649°C) pipe.

Uses

Zetex can be used for a variety of fire protection applications.

Entertainment and theatres

Zetex has replaced asbestos as the material for the large fire curtains that lower and close off the stage opening in case of a fire in a proscenium type theatre or auditorium.

Construction

During welding, workers can wear Zetex-made fire suits for protection. Also, Zetex material can be used for fabric expansion joints, creating fire barriers in buildings.

Automotive

Zetex material can encapsulate gas tanks or exhaust pipes, protecting from fire caused by gas leaks.

Foundries/Welding

Zetex suits can be used in welding applications, protecting the worker from sparks and other molten objects. It can also be used to create a fire barrier.

Fire Safety

Fire departments can use Zetex made suits to battle fires due to Zetex's heat resistant properties. Full engulfment capabilities of the suit make for a good emergency combatant.

Glassblowing

When boxing a newly finished piece of glass for annealing a

glassblower Glassblowing is a glassforming technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble (or parison) with the aid of a Blowpipe (tool), blowpipe (or blow tube). A person who blows glass is called a ''glassblower'', ''glassmith'', or ''gaffer'' ...

may utilize Zetex gloves to hold the finished piece in transition from the knock off table to the annealer.

References

{{Reflist

External links

Newtex Industries
Technical fabrics