A key component inside the MSA M1 self-contained breathing apparatus is being reinforced with a high-performance material designed for extreme firefighting conditions.
The carrier plate is made from Ultramid A3XZC3 ESD, an engineering plastic engineered to combine flame resistance, mechanical strength, and controlled electrical behavior—critical requirements for use in hazardous environments.
Developed for demanding technical applications, the carbon-fiber-reinforced, impact-modified material is now proving its value in real-world emergency operations, including use by BASF’s plant fire brigade.
The material’s key advantage lies in its combination of three mission-critical properties: reliable flame retardancy, high structural stability, and reduced surface resistivity.
Its flame rating ensures the breathing apparatus maintains function even under severe heat exposure. In independent testing, a fully assembled device exposed to direct flame remained fully operational.
“With Ultramid A3XZC3 ESD we have developed a product with excellent flame retardancy, very good electrostatic properties, and high mechanical stability.
"At BASF Performance Materials we are particularly pleased that BASF’s plant fire brigade now also relies on this high-performance material, thereby trusting MSA self-contained breathing apparatus to deliver the highest safety and reliability,” says Frank Ehret, Technical Service Engineering Plastics at BASF.
Functionality has also been engineered for the realities of rescue work. The backplate includes two large openings and an integrated carrying frame designed to drag injured or unconscious responders.
The handle is rated for emergency loads of up to 200 kg, reflecting operational demands in the field. In explosive-risk environments such as industrial plants or biogas facilities, reduced surface resistivity helps limit electrostatic charge buildup and reduces the risk of spark formation.
The material itself is a highly impact-modified, carbon-fiber-reinforced injection molding compound featuring a red phosphorus-based flame retardant, tailored for applications requiring both toughness and controlled electrical performance.
