SuperFabric
SuperFabric is a cut and abrasion resistant material,[1] and a registered trademark of Higher Dimension Materials, Inc. As a technical fabric, SuperFabric is created with a base fabric such as nylon, polyester, neoprene, crepe, etc. and is overlaid with tiny, hard guard plates in a specific pattern. Spacings between the guard plates allow flexibility, breathability and are small enough to keep sharp objects from penetrating. This guard plate technology protects the base fabric and contributes to the durability of the material. The geometry, thickness, and size of the guard plates, as well as the base fabric, vary depending on industry requirements. Customized and optional properties include flame resistance and specialized grip.
Properties
Cut resistance
SuperFabric materials can provide a barrier against cuts. The tiny, raised guard plates prevent sharp objects from tearing the underlying base fabric. While cottons, knits, and nylons snag from repeated contact with sharp objects, the nature of the SuperFabric guard plates contribute to the overall longevity of the material.[2]
Abrasion resistance
SuperFabric's manufacturer claims that its guard plates provide a flexible armor that resists abrasion and protects the underlying base fabric.[3]
Puncture resistance
Specific SuperFabric materials are designed to protect even against surgical and hypodermic needles.[4]
Additional properties
Fire resistance is a customized option, as SuperFabric guard plates themselves can be made flame resistant and applied to flame/fire resistant base fabrics. This increases the base fabric's abrasion resistance by a factor of 5–10 times without reducing its flame retardance.
SuperFabric materials also have a range of grip properties enabling them to work on a variety of surfaces for a variety of applications. SuperFabric can be customized with an additional coating of silicone, to further improve grip on smooth surfaces such as metal, glass, and laminate.
Most SuperFabric materials are highly resistant to stains. Many stains bead up on the surface of SuperFabric, which can make for easy cleaning, while retaining their protective and durable properties.
Applications
There is a wide range of applications for SuperFabric:
- Technical outdoor apparel[5]
- Military, law enforcement
- Commercial food-processing protection
- Industrial safety and protection
- Motorcycle apparel and accessories[6]
- Heavy-duty diving suit protection (U.S. Coast Guard, etc.)
- Cleaning products (scrub pads, etc.)
References
- ↑ http://www.superfabric.com/en1/pages/SuperFabric_overview.html
- ↑ ″Problem Solvers″. Specialty Fabrics Review. July, 2009; p. 29
- ↑ D3O and SuperFabric Team Up for Motorcycle Protection, d3o Lab and SuperFabric press release, July 20, 2009, retrieved 2010-03-10
- ↑ Extreme Textiles. Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Princeton Architectural Press, New York.
- ↑ Showers Pass Mountain Elite Jacket, Velo News, March 20, 2009, retrieved 2010-03-10
- ↑ d3o Body Armor Technology in Downhill Mountain Biking, DH Reno blog, October 16, 2007, retrieved 2010-03-10