Stab resistant fabric on show at Fashion Week

Tag : liquid fabric

AgResearch Research Associate Maree Hamilton-Chisholm says thefabric will resist puncture or knife penetration, is lightweight,comfortable to wear and has the dual benefits of the breathabilityand comfort of wool as well as the puncture resistance of theVectran component. She says the fabric is suitable for casual vestsor jackets.
"Whilst not bullet proof, the fabric is able to resist penetrationby a knife and is also cut resistant."
Wool, a natural protein fibre, is flame resistant and when exposedto severe heat will char into carbon, but does not ignite. Thiscarbon then forms a protective barrier against further heat. TheVectran yarns hold this carbon in place making the fabric capableof withstanding severe temperature "flashover" without causingserious injury to the wearer or undue damage to the inherent fabricintegrity.
"This is offered as an alternative stab, cut and fire resistantfabric developed to protect the wearer from the ever changing andsometimes hostile world we live in," says Maree Hamilton-Chisholm.
Also modelled by the mannequin is a machine-washable suit that, ina world first, is made from 100 per cent wool (18.5-19 micron)without the use of any chemicals, is shrink resistant, and has highnatural stretch and a lively drape.
The Natural Easy Care (NEC) fabric was developed by researchersfrom AgResearch's Textiles team, based at Lincoln nearChristchurch, for client Australian Wool Innovations (AWI).
AgResearch Chief Executive Dr Andrew West showed his support forthe NEC fabric technology by wearing a wool suit made from an NECfabric during the 2007 National Fieldays. "We demonstrated a shirtmade from this fabric earlier this year but this is the first suitto be made from this amazing natural material. It's machinewashable but do remember to take it off first!" he says.
Traditionally, wool has not been used for business shirting becauseit has to be lightweight. To enable weaving, two single yarns areplied together but they become too thick to use for garments suchas shirts.
The NEC fabric utilises a single worsted yarn which is created byspecially designed rollers that are easily retro-fitted to anexisting spinning frame. The grooved rollers split the wool strandinto micro-yarns, which are made up of well interlocked fibres. Theresulting single yarn has improved surface abrasion resistance, towithstand the stresses and strains imposed during weaving, and canbe woven into a light-weight fabric.
Whilst the development of this wool suit is well advanced, there isstill some work required before it is fully viable.
AgResearch Senior Scientist Dr Surinder Tandon says the suitingfabric has a number of beneficial qualities. "The fabric does notrely on any chemical treatments. This means that there aresignificant environmental benefits, which we believe will also bean advantage for retailers eager to serve the needs of discerning,environmentally aware consumers."
Dr Tandon has travelled to China, Korea, Japan and Mexico over thelast 24 months advising manufacturers on retro-fitting theirspinning frames with the technology. "It is a surprisingly easyconversion," he says.
ENDS