Fire-Resistant Elastics

Fire-resistant webbing is characterized by its inherent ability to withstand fire. This resistance stems directly from the material’s composition at a molecular level, where the fibers themselves possess a natural immunity to ignition and combustion. Unlike other materials that require external treatments to achieve fire protection, fire-resistant webbing is crafted from fibers that are naturally non-flammable. Common examples of these inherently fire-resistant materials include high-performance synthetic fibers such as Kevlar, Nomex, PBI (Polybenzimidazole), and other para-aramids. These materials are chosen for their unique molecular structures, which provide them with exceptional resistance to heat and the propagation of flames. At Sturges, our elastics are fire-resistant.

In contrast, fire-retardant webbing achieves its fire-resistant properties by applying chemical treatments to base materials that would otherwise be flammable. These base materials often include common textiles like nylon, polyester, cotton, polypropylene, and acrylics. Fire retardants are chemical substances designed to impart flame resistance to a material. The primary goal of fire-retardant treatments is to significantly slow down the ignition process and the subsequent burning of the webbing. In some cases, these treatments can even enable the material to self-extinguish when the flame source is removed.