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Researchers develop production-friendly protective treatments
February 13th, 2023
Researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada have devised a way that could make virus-killing clothing a good fit for the production line. Typically, getting this kind of protective finish onto protective uniforms worn by soldiers, hospital workers, firefighters and first responders is a big challenge. “We want to take the technology from the […]
Work safely
July 22nd, 2016
Protective textiles provide innovative solutions in countering workplace hazards. Protective apparel and safety gear for today’s industrial workers are evolving at a rapid pace as technical advances in fiber, fabrics and comfort move beyond the traditional focus on fire and flame retardant (FR) properties. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters and military personnel may now […]
Military garment manufacturer receives $129 million contract
December 26th, 2013
Tullahoma, Tenn.-based Tennessee Apparel Corp., manufacturer of military garments, has been named the only qualified source for chemical and biological protective garments under the Uniform Integrated Protection Ensemble Increment 1 (UIPE I1) effort. TAC has received the production option on a $129 million contract that had been issued in February 2012. The chemical and biological […]
Beyond the flak jacket
August 13th, 2013
With today’s high-performance fiber technology, soft body armor offers improved ballistic protection. The technical textiles industry that focuses on ballistic protection has made impressive technological advancements, but as much as the label “bulletproof” is in common use, when used with textiles, it’s simply not accurate. There are no bulletproof fabrics. A better phrase is “soft […]
Protecting outdoor workers from insects
June 24th, 2013
Insect Shield® has launched a workwear online store with expanded product offerings for people who work outdoors and need protection from insects and the diseases they carry. This makes protective clothing and gear available at locations across the globe. The new storefront offers the added functionality of zoom to reveal detailed product feature views, videos […]
A cut above: hockey socks
May 1st, 2013
Most fans watching their favorite National Hockey League (NHL) players zoom, weave and crash on the ice probably don’t realize that some of these consummate athletes aren’t wearing socks. Hockey players regard many styles of protective socks as inhibiting their connection to the ice and, therefore, their performance. However, in a sport where razor-sharp skates […]
Smart textiles for protective gear
April 1st, 2013
A new book, Smart Textiles for Protection, outlines how materials that sense and react to environmental conditions are being integrated into personal protective clothing—and examines a wide range of end-use protective applications. The book explores material types, surface treatments, nanofibers, smart barrier membranes, sensors, actuators and computers in protective wear, and also provides a discussion […]
New uses for silkworm cocoons
August 1st, 2012
Silkworm cocoons, which are extremely light, tough and plentiful, are “ideal for the development of bio-inspired composite materials,” according to Oxford University researchers David Porter and Fujia Chen. Potential applications for cocoon-based materials are protective armor and fabricated car panels, especially in the booming car markets of China and India. Silkworm cocoons are sustainable, carbon […]
Multiple emergencies, one suit
June 1st, 2012
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) of Illinois stands ready to bring emergency fire, medical and incident command resources anywhere in the state. Teams may be responding to fires, chemical spills, explosions, tornados or terrorist threats, but the protective apparel worn by MABAS’s first responders to hazardous materials incidents will be ONESuit® Pro Level […]
Body armor sales survive budget cuts
May 12th, 2012
A new report by Visiongain, a London-based provider of industry and business intelligence, indicates that military body armor and personal protective gear will be a $1.07 billion market in 2012, despite defense budget cuts planned by many nations, including the U.S. “An underlying desire and responsibility to provide the best protection to military personnel will […]