Combining chemical treatments and fabric design to achieve anti-wicking, Alpha develops new anti-wicking meta-aramid (Nomex®) materials.

Anti-wicking treatments have been available in the commercial marketplace for some time. As a material processesor using fabric substrates, there are basically two ways to achieve anti-wicking. The first way is to use the fabric technology to inhibit passage of air or fluid from the ID (inside diameter) to the OD (outside diameter) of the die cut part. The second way includes the use of chemical treatments during the process to prevent air passage through the coated substrate.

At Alpha, both technologies are incorporated to provide optimal anti-wicking performance in coated substrates. Alpha designs substrates with improved constructions for promoting anti-wicking, and then treats the material with chemical components design for superior anti-wicking performance and rubber to fabric adhesion.

Alpha’s latest development, “anti-wicking” meta-aramid (Nomex®) coated with FKM, uses this multi-step approach to achieve anti-wicking results better than 150 psi on an industry approved test stand. These anti-wicking results are among the best in the coated fabrics industry and meet the rigorous standards of the top valve and controls manufacturers in the marketplace.

Nomex® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company