Case Study

Learn more about the development of a new flame retardant fabric treatment.

Are you looking to develop a new materials technology?

Set Up Your Consultation

New Approach to Flame Retardant Fabric Treatment

Overview

The US Army currently issues two basic uniform types: 1) a general duty nylon/cotton-based uniform that is inexpensive, comfortable, and durable, but lacks flame retardancy and 2) an aramid fiber-based uniform that is expensive, less comfortable, and less durable, but is flame retardant. The cilent desired a nylon/cotton-based uniform with flame retardancy similar to aramid fiber-based uniforms. plus enhanced thermal barrier properties.

Challenge

Numerous flame retardant nylon/cotton treatments exist, but none both maintain fabric durability through multiple wears/washes and provide enhanced thermal barrier performance.

Solution

Materic developed a flame retardant nylon/cotton textile treatment capable of being applied as a clear or colored coating that can meet desired low-cost and burn resistance targets, even after 75 washes. Through the incorporation of a proprietary nanomaterial additive, thermal barrier performance (as measured by the depth of a simulated skin burn) showed a 10x improvement over the aramid uniforms.

Outcome

Full-scale trials have produced hundreds of yards of military camouflage fabric at a U.S. government-approved vendor, and full certification testing is in progress. A version of the product is also being prepared for use in civilian industrial applications.

Project Details

CLIENT

US Government Agency

PROJECT TYPE

Project Gallery

Set Up Your Consultation Today

 

Please let us know which of our products you are interested in and provide some high-level details about the potential specifications and applications you are considering, so we can quickly follow up with a quote. We may request a quick meeting, to ensure we understand your needs, before providing a quote.

Tell us where we can help you!