Stab resistant fabric at Air New Zealand Fashion Week
17 Sep '07
3 min read
A stab-resistant, flame resistant fabric created by Crown Research Institute AgResearch is this week being displayed at Air New Zealand Fashion Week for the first time.
A material that could interest a real life James Bond, for its style, comfort and extraordinary functional qualities, is being displayed on a mannequin in the Main Gallery throughout the week.
The stab resistant vest is made from a knitted Vectran based fabric (a non-cut, ultra high strength liquid crystal polymer) and combined with short wool fibre that is packed into the outer fabric surface.
AgResearch Research Associate Maree Hamilton-Chisholm says the fabric will resist puncture or knife penetration, is lightweight, comfortable to wear and has the dual benefits of the breathability and comfort of wool as well as the puncture resistance of the Vectran component. She says the fabric is suitable for casual vests or jackets.
“Whilst not bullet proof, the fabric is able to resist penetration by a knife and is also cut resistant.”
Wool, a natural protein fibre, is flame resistant and when exposed to severe heat will char into carbon, but does not ignite. This carbon then forms a protective barrier against further heat. The Vectran yarns hold this carbon in place making the fabric capable of withstanding severe temperature “flashover” without causing serious injury to the wearer or undue damage to the inherent fabric integrity.
“This is offered as an alternative stab, cut and fire resistant fabric developed to protect the wearer from the ever changing and sometimes hostile world we live in,” says Maree Hamilton-Chisholm.
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