Technology company Continental has developed heat protective coated fabrics for protective suits to ensure safety of workers in a whole range of deployment situations. The suits are capable of handling extremes of cold and hot temperatures. The high flexibility and low material thickness of the fabric offers a high level of comfort to wearers.

The suits are capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -196°C for short periods. Likewise the materials for protective suits protect workers if they come into direct contact with heat sources in extremely hot environments. The fabrics are available in numerous surface and colour variants, including signal colours, said Continental in a press release.

The chemical protection suit, which is manufactured using ‘Next Generation’ fabric, is a reliable aid for firefighters as well as in industrial environments such as refineries and oil rigs and in shipbuilding. The highly flame-retardant material ensures a high degree of safety in environments where gases form and there is a risk of fire. The protective suit is designed in accordance with the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

For drysuits, Continental supplies coated fabrics that offer safety and protection in and under water. This tough material, which is just 0.5 mm thick and weighs around 450 g/sq metre, remains watertight even when pushed to extremes. And because it is extremely flexible and pleasant to the touch, it is also comfortable to wear. The innovative Condensation Control Technology (CCT) also regulates body temperature, making the material perfect for professional and leisure divewear.

Continental’s Dynactiv Protection portfolio also encompasses a range of safe and comfortable products for protective and work clothing, including innovative clothing materials for waders, coats and raincoats. These knitted fabrics are coated with polyvinylchloride (PVC), possess antistatic properties and protect wearers against harsh weather conditions. The surface specialist also produces not only fluorescent materials, but also acid and alkaline-resistant products.

Continental’s coated fabrics are highly sought-after in China. Last year, the company established production facilities in Changshu to cater directly for the Chinese market. The plant mainly manufactures products for inflatable solutions and systems for applications including life rafts and materials for folding bellows. The safety products developed as part of Continental’s folding bellows business field are certified to the fire protection standards such as EN 45545-2. In addition to its comprehensive portfolio, the company offers its customers a range of rubberised fabrics, belts and sealing compounds.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. (PC)