Novel Textiles for Use as Friction Buffer on Parachutes

During Phase I of this project CTW successfully developed a series of specialized tests to mimic the melt damage inflicted on the nylon parachute fabric during deployment. Results from this work indicated 3 approaches to meeting the goal of developing an advanced buffer fabric. In Phase II the above test capabilities will allow CTW to develop these approaches to explore many buffer fabric candidates, screen these for a range of properties against the current buffer fabric and to move promising fabrics into advanced testing and commercialization. These approaches will provide several high-strength, low-weight buffer fabric candidates for advanced evaluation, leading to full commercialization into both military and domestic parachute and other industrial applications. CTW is well suited to be successful in this Phase II project with over 70 years of direct experience in R & D related to fibers and fabrics, textile surface modification and the development/commercialization of innovative textile materials. CTWs competitive advantages includes the ability to fully support low volume/specialty applications, access to vertical manufacturing from yarn extrusion through finished fabrication located in the heart of US textile manufacturing, in-house expertise in development/production/marketing of technical textiles, commitment to customer service and dedication to delivering the highest value products and thus customer success.