Cordura

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Blue Cordura fabric Blue cordura garment.jpg
Blue Cordura fabric
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Cordura is a collection of synthetic fiber-based fabric technologies used in a wide array of products including luggage, backpacks, trousers, military wear and performance apparel. [1]

Contents

It was developed and registered as a trademark by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) in 1929, and is currently owned by Invista, a subsidiary of Koch Industries. [2] Cordura fabrics are usually made of nylon, but can be a blend of nylon with cotton or other natural fibers.

Overview

DuPont originally introduced the fabric as a type of rayon. [3] [4] In a 1948 advertisement, DuPont described the research leading to the product’s creation: “DuPont scientists were working to improve on the properties of rayon…when, in 1928, a rubber company asked for a rayon yarn that would be stronger than cotton for tire cords. The problem was given to a team of organic, physical, and analytical chemists, chemical and mechanical engineers and physicists. In developing the new improved rayon, a number of theoretical studies were carried out: for example, (1) rates of diffusion of the coagulating bath into the viscose filaments, (2) the mechanism of coagulation of viscose, (3) the relationship between fiber structure and properties by X-rays, and (4) a phase study of spinning baths. Concurrently, applied research was necessary. This proceeded along many lines, but the main problem was the spinning technique. It was known that a short delay in the bath between the spinneret and the stretching operation allowed greater tension on the filaments. DuPont engineers, therefore, designed a series of rollers, each revolving faster than the previous one, to increase the tension gradually. In addition, a textile finish was developed that combined just the right amount of plasticizing action and lubricating power, allowing the filaments to twist evenly in forming the cord. A new adhesive was prepared to join the yarn with rubber. New twisting techniques for cord manufacture were found, since the usual methods caused loss in rayon strength. Chemical and mechanical engineers were faced with the design and operation of equipment for more than 15 different types of unit operations. Equipment had to operate every minute of the day, yet turn out perfectly uniform yarn. It was necessary to filter the viscose so carefully that it would pass through spinning jet holes less than 4/1000 of an inch without plugging. Some of the most exacting temperature and humidity control applications in the chemical industry were required. Out of the cooperation among scientists—ranging from studies of cellulose as a high polymer to design of enormous plants—came a new product, “Cordura” high-tenacity rayon, as strong as mild steel yet able to stand up under repeated flexing.” Tires made with it are less bulky and cooler running, yet give greater mileage under adverse operating conditions. [5]

The product was further developed during World War II and used in tires for military vehicles. In 1966, when new formulations of nylon proved superior, the Cordura brand name was transferred to the nylon product instead. In 1977 researchers discovered a process for dyeing Cordura, which opened a wide variety of commercial applications. By 1979 soft-sided Cordura luggage had captured about 40 percent of the luggage market. Several brands today continue to use Cordura fabric in their products. Eastpak was the first brand to use Cordura fabric in their packs, [6] and JanSport used the canvas-like nylon in their original daypacks in the 1970s, and uses polyester cordura exclusively today. [7] In the 1980s, Manhattan Portage began using 1000 denier (D) Cordura nylon in their bags. [8] In the 1990s, European workwear clothing brands adopted the 1000D and 500D fabric for reinforcements. Clothing brands such as F. Engel, Fristads Kansas, Snickers and Scruffs use the fabric. Cordura is also used today, in most mid to high-quality textile motorcycle jackets and pants, for its high abrasion resistance. It is found in motorcycle gear made by companies such as Klim, Rukka, MotoPort, Rev'It!, Olympia, Aerostich and Dainese. [9]

Variants of Cordura fabrics are created for several applications including weights, aesthetics, tear resistance, and color retention. There are also base layer, denim and canvas fabrics that contain blends of Invista 420 D nylon 6, 6 fiber and cotton, known as "Cordura Baselayer", "Cordura Denim", and "Cordura Duck", respectively. [10]

Some Cordura fabrics have been designed specifically for military [11] and extended outdoor use. [12] Cordura fabrics have been used in military applications for over 45 years, and many US military fabric specifications are based on Cordura brand fabrics.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nylon</span> Early synthetic polymer developed as a textile fiber

Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers with amide backbones, usually linking aliphatic or semi-aromatic groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yarn</span> Long continuous length of interlocked fibres

Yarn is a long continuous length of interlocked fibres, used in sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, embroidery, ropemaking, and the production of textiles. Thread is a type of yarn intended for sewing by hand or machine. Modern manufactured sewing threads may be finished with wax or other lubricants to withstand the stresses involved in sewing. Embroidery threads are yarns specifically designed for needlework. Yarn can be made of a number of natural or synthetic materials, and comes in a variety of colors and thicknesses. Although yarn may be dyed different colours, most yarns are solid coloured with a uniform hue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rayon</span> Cellulose-based semi-synthetic fiber

Rayon, also called viscose and commercialised in some countries as sabra silk or cactus silk, is a semi-synthetic fiber, made from natural sources of regenerated cellulose, such as wood and related agricultural products. It has the same molecular structure as cellulose. Many types and grades of viscose fibers and films exist. Some imitate the feel and texture of natural fibers such as silk, wool, cotton, and linen. The types that resemble silk are often called artificial silk. It can be woven or knit to make textiles for clothing and other purposes.

Synthetic fibers or synthetic fibres are fibers made by humans through chemical synthesis, as opposed to natural fibers that are directly derived from living organisms, such as plants or fur from animals. They are the result of extensive research by scientists to replicate naturally occurring animal and plant fibers. In general, synthetic fibers are created by extruding fiber-forming materials through spinnerets, forming a fiber. These are called synthetic or artificial fibers. The word polymer comes from a Greek prefix "poly" which means "many" and suffix "mer" which means "single units"..

Aramid fibers, short for aromatic polyamide, are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers. They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic-rated body armor fabric and ballistic composites, in marine cordage, marine hull reinforcement, as an asbestos substitute, and in various lightweight consumer items ranging from phone cases to tennis rackets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyocell</span> Regenerated cellulose fiber made from dissolving pulp

Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fiber used to make textiles for clothing and other purposes. It is a form of regenerated cellulose made by dissolving pulp and dry jet-wet spinning. Unlike rayon; which is made by the more common viscose processes, Lyocell production does not use carbon disulfide, which is toxic to workers and the environment. Lyocell was originally trademarked as Tencel in 1982.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metallic fiber</span> Thread wholly or partly made from metal

Metallic fibers are manufactured fibers composed of metal, metallic alloys, plastic-coated metal, metal-coated plastic, or a core completely covered by metal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acrylic fiber</span> Synthetic fiber made from polymer

Acrylic fibers are synthetic fibers made from a polymer (polyacrylonitrile) with an average molecular weight of ~100,000, about 1900 monomer units. For a fiber to be called "acrylic" in the US, the polymer must contain at least 85% acrylonitrile monomer. Typical comonomers are vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate. DuPont created the first acrylic fibers in 1941 and trademarked them under the name Orlon. It was first developed in the mid-1940s but was not produced in large quantities until the 1950s. Strong and warm, acrylic fiber is often used for sweaters and tracksuits and as linings for boots and gloves, as well as in furnishing fabrics and carpets. It is manufactured as a filament, then cut into short staple lengths similar to wool hairs, and spun into yarn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ballistic nylon</span> Thick, tough, nylon fabric

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artificial silk</span>

Artificial silk or art silk is any synthetic fiber which resembles silk, but typically costs less to produce. Frequently, "artificial silk" is just a synonym for rayon. When made out of bamboo viscose it is also sometimes called bamboo silk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bamboo textile</span> Textile made from various parts of the bamboo plant

Bamboo textile is any cloth, yarn or clothing made from bamboo fibres. While historically used only for structural elements, such as bustles and the ribs of corsets, in recent years different technologies have been developed that allow bamboo fibre to be used for a wide range of textile and fashion applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Century Textile and Industries</span> Company based in Mumbai, India

Century Textile and Industries is an Indian textile and paper manufacturing and export company based in Mumbai. The main business activity involves manufacture of cotton textiles, yarn, denim, viscose filament rayon yarn, tire-cords, caustic soda, sulfuric acid, salt, pulp, and paper. The company also has a presence in the international textile markets and exports its products to more than 45 countries.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maria Bogner</span>

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A blend is a mixture of two or more fibers. In yarn spinning, different compositions, lengths, diameters, or colors may be combined to create a blend. Blended textiles are fabrics or yarns produced with a combination of two or more types of different fibers, or yarns to obtain desired traits and aesthetics. Blending is possible at various stages of textile manufacturing. The term, blend, refers to spun fibers or a fabric composed of such fibers. There are several synonymous terms: a combination yarn is made up of two strands of different fibers twisted together to form a ply; a mixture or mixed cloth refers to blended cloths in which different types of yarns are used in warp and weft sides.

References

  1. ↑ "CORDURA® Brand - Home". www.cordura.com.
  2. ↑ "Koch Subsidiaries Buy Fibers Unit from DuPont". Invista.com. 2004-04-30. Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  3. ↑ "Cordura". dupont.com. 2009-02-02. Archived from the original on 2011-07-31. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  4. ↑ "A Short History of Manufactured Fibers". Fibersource.com. 1969-07-20. Archived from the original on 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  5. ↑ ”Du Pont Digest” (advertisement), Notre Dame Scholastic, Vol 89 No. 21, 9 April 1948, 7.
  6. ↑ RETROFUZZ. "Collection 2011 | Quinze & Milan x Eastpak | Built to Resi(s)t". Eastpak.com. Archived from the original on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  7. ↑ "EcoTextiles Just Got Tougher: Cordura EcoMade". TreeHugger. Archived from the original on 2010-03-28. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  8. ↑ "Manhattan Portage Bags - Company Information". Manhattanportage.com. 2011-08-17. Archived from the original on 2017-06-09. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  9. ↑ "Save Your Hide Article". Motoport.com. Archived from the original on 2009-02-21. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  10. ↑ "Invista Unveils Cordura Denim Fabric". Textile World. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  11. ↑ Rayfield, Susannah. "The First Line of Defence: The Infantry Soldier" (PDF). Cordura Fabric. Sovereign Publications. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-07-03. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  12. ↑ "Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody". Outdoorinformer.com. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
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