Non-Woven Textile Technologies: Durable Nonwoven Composite Fabrics

In Phase I, Nanosyntex demonstrated the feasibility of creating high-performance nonwoven composite fabrics that showed superior strength and comfort properties over current woven military uniform fabrics. The main objective of this Phase II SBIR project is to further optimize the design and structure of these composite fabrics through advanced research studies to specifically enhance abrasion resistance and wash durability. Additionally, the effects of various finishing treatments to impart water repellency, wrinkle-resistance and softness characteristics to the nonwoven composite fabrics will be studied. The prototypes of various nonwoven composite fabrics will be tested for comfort, strength, durability, washability and printability characteristics. Process parameters and equipment design will be optimized through numerous prototype trials. Prototype Marine Corps combat utility uniforms will be manufactured using a domestically installed pilot unit by Nanosyntex and field tested to verify and optimize performance. Other tasks that will be carried out in the Phase II Option include the design and development of fire retardant fabrics for military uniforms, heavy-duty tentage and equipage items as well as investigation of semi-permeable membrane/nanofibers-based barrier composite prototypes for protective shelters.