CarbonX History

Chapman Innovations

The idea behind CarbonX was kindled on a race track. Mike Chapman—a legendary engine builder in the world of motorsports—had watched too many friends suffer serious burn injuries in race-car accidents. Determined to prevent such tragedies, Chapman worked with textile experts to develop a unique solution. By blending carbonized fibers with strengthening fibers, Chapman and his team created a fabric that is inherently non-flammable; will not burn, melt, or ignite when exposed to direct flame or extreme heat; is impervious to molten metal splash; and has exceptional electrical resistance. The CarbonX brand came to life. Since 1999 Chapman Innovations has been developing, producing, and marketing thermal fabric solutions under the flagship brand CarbonX for a variety of industries and end-users.

TexTech Industries Inc.

In 2014 Chapman Innovations and the CarbonX brand were acquired by TexTech Industries, Inc., a leading global developer and supplier of engineered, high-performance materials for the aerospace, defense, law enforcement, industrial, and sporting goods sectors. TexTech produces Core Matrix Technology™, a patented, protective material that is utilized in the most advanced ballistic vests worn by military and law enforcement. The company also manufactures fire-retardant and thermal acoustic insulation for every major commercial aerospace platform and is the world’s largest producer of tennis ball felt. CarbonX non-flammable fabrics and apparel are a natural fit in the TexTech product portfolio.

Bert Rivera, VP Operations, Hot Shield USA

“As a firefighter and co-inventor of the patented Hot Shield Wildland Firefighter Face Mask, I understand and appreciate the need to protect human skin from fire. Our goal has always been to manufacture the best face mask and helmet shrouds on the planet by using the best materials available. Once I learned about CarbonX materials, it became easy to see how much more effective (lighter and more thermally resistant) our masks could become by incorporating CarbonX in both the Hot Shield and our Ultimate Bandana. I am very pleased to be able to offer fellow firefighters extreme thermal protection like no other at a reasonable cost. Hot Shield USA is proud to be associated with the leader in thermal-resistant materials.”