The carrier plate of the MSA M1 breathing apparatus is made of Ultramid A3XZC3 ESD. According to BASF, this material combines properties that are important for rescue and firefighting applications: flame retardancy, high mechanical load-bearing capacity and reduced surface resistivity. It is an injection molding material, highly impact modified, carbon-fiber reinforced and designed for applications requiring specific electrical properties. The solution has been implemented in a self-contained breathing apparatus that operates under elevated mechanical and thermal loads. The company also states that MSA breathing apparatus are used by BASF's plant fire brigade, which provides an example of the material's practical use in daily operation.
According to BASF, Ultramid A3XZC3 ESD combines three features that are crucial in this type of application. Flame retardancy at the V-0 level from a thickness of 1.5 mm is intended to ensure that the breathing apparatus maintains its function even under thermal stress. The company reports that the fully assembled device passed a flame test carried out by an independent testing institute, retaining full functionality after direct exposure to flame. In industrial applications, reduced surface resistivity is also important because in explosion-hazard areas, such as industrial plants or biogas plants, it is intended to limit the build-up of electrostatic charges and thus reduce the risk of spark formation.
The design parameters of the carrier plate itself are also relevant. The component made of Ultramid A3XZC3 ESD has two large openings and a carrying frame that can be used to drag injured or unconscious responders. The handle was designed for emergency loads of up to 200 kg, which, according to the manufacturer, corresponds to practical operational requirements. The material used in this component is a highly impact-modified polyamide for injection molding, reinforced with carbon fiber and featuring reduced surface resistivity. The flame retardant based on red phosphorus is intended for applications requiring increased impact toughness and specific electrical properties.
Frank Ehret from Technical Service Engineering Plastics at BASF said: "With Ultramid A3XZC3 ESD, we have developed a product with very good flame-retardant properties, very good electrostatic properties and high mechanical stability. At BASF Performance Materials, we are particularly pleased that BASF's plant fire brigade is now also using this high-performance material, trusting MSA breathing apparatus to provide the highest level of safety and reliability."
MSA operates globally as a supplier of respiratory protection and safety technology. As stated, a specific component concept was developed for the M1 breathing system in order to meet the requirements of firefighting operations.
