Aluminized Materials
There are numerous materials that can be coated with aluminum to make heat resistant clothing with various qualities. These aluminized materials range in price, flexibility, abrasion resistance, and temperature that they are able to withstand.
If you would like to hear about the manufacturing process of aluminized fabrics, please click on the following link to see a Youtube video describing basics about high heat resistant materials: fire and heat resistant clothing.
Knit aluminized materials vs. woven aluminized fabrics - knit heat resistant fabrics with aluminum coating often have higher flexibility than their woven alternatives, providing additional comfort and easier movement to the wearer. However, due to the difference in stretchability of the aluminum and the fabric on a high heat suit, the aluminum might be more likely to delaminate prematurely.
Aluminized Para-Aramid blend clothing material (in 19 ounce weigth) - this heat resistant material is a blend of para-aramid (Kevlar or another equivalent product) and fiberglass materials. It combines the high temperature resistance of fiberglass and abrasion resistance of para-aramid to create a material that is strong and able to withstand contact temperatures in the range of 400-600 degrees F. However, this material is also not very flexible, somewhat limiting dexterity and comfort when compared to other lighter materials such as Rayon.
Aluminized Rayon heat resistant clothing (15 ounce weigth) - this is one of the most economical aluminized fabric used in making heat resistant aluminmized apparel. It is light and flexible, provides capabilities of radiant heat reflection on the same level as otehr materials, but lacks in abrasion and contact temperature resistances. Due to its small thickness, it quickly conducts temperature upon contact (compared to the heavier para-aramid blend material, for example). Yet, this material is a great choice for applications that need radiant heat protection but do not require handling abrasive or very hot objects.
Aluminized CarbonX high heat clothing (10 ounce weigth material) - CarbonX heat resistant material is among the highest in maximum temperature resistance. It is also one of the most flexible and softest. It is one of the most expensive, too. It offers moderatly good abrasion resistance and its main positive qualitites are its very high maximum contact temperature and softness that allows comfort and dexterity.
Aluminized PBI blend material (7 ounce) - heat resistant PBI clothing is among the most expensive aluminized apparel for a reason. High heat PBI material is able to withstand very high contact temperatures even with its low thickness. Yet, since it is so thin, it is very comfortable and flexible when used in making heat resistant clothing.
Aluminized Carbon-Kevlar material (17 ounce)
Aluminized Heavy Rayon material (19 ounce)
Zetex material (35 ounce)
Zetex Plus material (35 ounce)