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Fabric samples of fire-resistant, waterproof, and stab-resistant materials displayed on a lab bench with a tablet showing analysis.

Fabric samples of fire-resistant, waterproof, and stab-resistant materials displayed on a lab bench with a tablet showing analysis.

I'll provide compact rated lists (1–10) for each protection type. Scale: 1 = very poor, 10 = excellent. Ratings assume typical shirt-weight constructions; actual performance depends on thickness, treatments, and certification. Fire-resistant 1. Aramid (Nomex/Kevlar blends) — 10 2. PBI — 10 3. Carbon fiber fabric — 9 4. Basalt fiber — 9 5. Fiberglass fabric — 9 6. Aluminized fabric (outer reflective) — 8.5 7. Modacrylic — 8 8. TMF / Technical FR blends — 8 9. FR-treated cotton — 7 10. FR polyester (engineered) — 6.5 11. Leather — 6.5 12. Wool — 6.5 13. Ripstop (cotton, treated) — 6 14. Denim — 5.5 15. Cotton — 4.5 16. Silk — 3.5 17. Polyester (regular) — 3 18. Nylon (regular) — 2.5 Waterproof (resistance to liquid penetration; breathability varies) 1. Laminated ePTFE (Gore-Tex) — 10 2. PU-coated nylon/polyester (seam-sealed) — 9.5 3. PVC-coated fabric — 9 4. Silicone-coated nylon — 8.5 5. Waxed cotton — 7 6. Nylon with DWR only — 6 7. Polyester with DWR — 6 8. Ripstop nylon (untreated) — 5 9. Denim — 3.5 10. Cotton — 2.5 11. Silk — 2 12. Leather (untreated) — 4 (repels some water but soaks eventually) Stab-resistant (cut/stab resistance; depends on layering and inserts) 1. Kevlar/aramid woven layers — 9 2. UHMWPE (Dyneema/Spectra) — 9 3. Chainmail/metal mesh — 9.5 (heavy) 4. Steel/ceramic plate inserts — 10 (localized) 5. High-density polyethylene composites — 8.5 6. Leather (thick, treated) — 5.5 7. Denim (heavy layered) — 4.5 8. Cotton — 2.5 9. Silk — 2 10. Polyester/nylon Mehr sehen