Non-Woven Textile Technologies

The main objective of this proposal is to investigate the use of nonwoven textile composite fabrics in military applications such as battledress uniforms (BDU), chemical and biological agents protective uniforms (CBPU), tents, tarps, coverings, bags and other miscellaneous items where conventional woven and knitted fabrics are currently used. The opportunity is to create innovative and lightweight nonwoven composites that will enhance the functional performance of current military uniforms and other textile applications while retaining properties of wear, durability and printability at improved life cycle cost. The possibility of improving the current design of BDU to incorporate additional protection against chemical and biological agents while reducing the heat stress will also be explored. This phase I proposal will investigate the potential uses of various nonwoven textile technologies such as spunlace, spunbond, melt blown, ultrasonic-bonded and needle-punched for use in the US military. The nonwoven composite fabrics will be tested for functional properties such as durability, air permeability, printability and launderability.