Zetex (fabric)
Encyclopedia
Zetex fabrics were invented by Bal Dixit
in 1978. This highly texturized fiberglass
fabric exhibits many of the same properties as asbestos
, such as resistance to heat, corrosion and rot resistance, outstanding electrical properties, ability to withstand molten metal, and thermal insulation. However, it does not carry the same health risks.
, the most commonly encountered form of asbestos
, 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:
a CS17 Wheel, 1000 g/wheel
Bal Dixit
Bal Dixit is the chairman of Newtex Industries. He founded the company 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 asbestos...
in 1978. This highly texturized fiberglass
Fiberglass
Glass fiber is a material consisting of numerous extremely fine fibers of glass.Glassmakers throughout history have experimented with glass fibers, but mass manufacture of glass fiber was only made possible with the invention of finer machine tooling...
fabric exhibits many of the same properties as asbestos
Asbestos
Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their eponymous, asbestiform habit: long, thin fibrous crystals...
, such as resistance to heat, corrosion and rot resistance, outstanding electrical properties, ability to withstand molten metal, and thermal insulation. 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
ChrysotileChrysotile
Chrysotile or white asbestos is the most commonly encountered form of asbestos, accounting for approximately 95% of the asbestos in place in the United States and a similar proportion in other countries. It is a soft, fibrous silicate mineral in the serpentine group of phyllosilicates; as such, it...
, the most commonly encountered form of asbestos
Asbestos
Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their eponymous, asbestiform habit: long, thin fibrous crystals...
, 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:
| Property | Asbestos Asbestos Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals used commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their eponymous, asbestiform habit: long, thin fibrous crystals... (Chrysotile Chrysotile Chrysotile or white asbestos is the most commonly encountered form of asbestos, accounting for approximately 95% of the asbestos in place in the United States and a similar proportion in other countries. It is a soft, fibrous silicate mineral in the serpentine group of phyllosilicates; as such, it... ) |
Zetex G Filament | Zetex DE Filament |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (oz/yd2) | 40 | 35 | 32 |
| Breaking Strength, lb (Warp/Fill) | 160/80 | 346/423 | 442/428 |
| Abrasion Abrasion (mechanical) Abrasion is the process of scuffing, scratching, wearing down, marring, or rubbing away. It can be intentionally imposed in a controlled process using an abrasive... Testing (cycles to failure - CS10 Wheel, 500 g/wheel) |
230 to 824 | 493a | 871 |
| Thermal Properties "K" value, Btu/h/in./ft2/°F |
.8190 | .3385 | .3399 |
a CS17 Wheel, 1000 g/wheel
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.
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