DuPont™ Nomex® and DuPont™ Kevlar® Protective Designs for Explosive Ordnance Disposal

The challenges of bomb disposal impose multiple requirements such as blast, heat, fire and fragment protection. The design of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) suit, which also needs to ensure maximum mobility and dexterity to the user, is therefore complex and demands scrutiny in assessing the capabilities of all elements used.

Flame resistance
Today, only inherent flame-resistant materials such as Nomex® and Kevlar® are fully adequate for EOD suits. Nomex® is a prime choice for a flexible and comfortable inner and outer layer material that will help provide protection against heat and flame hazards.

Blast protection
Blast protection depends mainly on the proper use and positioning of semi-rigid and rigid ballistic protection elements that will contribute to deviate the blast wave. Kevlar® fabrics, laminates and panels are designed to help provide the required flexible, semi-rigid and rigid ballistic fragment protection.

Ballistic performance
The ballistic performances for different body parts are tailored to optimise protection versus mobility and dexterity needs. EOD suits will generally offer maximum protection levels in the torso area and lower levels of protection for the limbs.

Flexibility of design
DuPont has developed ballistic scaling rules that can help manufacturers design to specific threat requirements using ballistic elements made of Kevlar® fibre.

Comfort and ergonomics
The combination of Nomex® and Kevlar® fibres helps manufacturers design an ergonomic suit that addresses the multi threat protection levels, yet balances fit, protection and comfort.

Value-in-use
Nomex® and Kevlar® offer unique material combinations for EOD suit designs helping to allow for an appropriate balance of price and performance.