(cordura advert http://www.cordura.com/en/index.html )I choose to focus on the modern fabric Cordura. Cordura fibers are used for the majority of military uniforms and accessories in Australia. These fibers are also used in various everyday products such as; ‘luggage, camping gear, work gear and protective motorcycle gear’2. Cordura was invented over ‘30 years ago in America’3. Cordura is a blended fiber made from nylon and cotton; it has a ‘1000 count denier’2, which makes it remarkably durable. ‘Denier is a measuring unit’1, just as centimeters measure lengths, ‘denier is used to measure the density of fibers’1. ‘Cordura is not the actual fiber’s name but a product name, the scientific name is ‘nylon 66’. However since is INVISTA the original and only distributor of 'nylon 66' for military use the name Cordura is used’3.
Qualities 
Cordura has a long line of qualities that make it ideal for military uniforms and accessories. These qualities include;
(Cordura fibers http://www.cordura.com/en/index.html )
- Colourfastness
Being colourfast is a basic need for military uniforms. This is because the uniforms will be worn extensively and be exposed to extreme conditions of rainfall and sunlight. If Cordura were not colourfast it would cease to protect our troops in camouflage, revealing their location to the enemy. - Optimal printing and colouring surface
Being an optimal printing and colouring surface is vital need for the uniforms in modern warfare. This is because each war zone has a separate pattern for camouflage, even if they are in the same region. A good example for this is the different uniforms for Iraq and Afghanistan. All camouflage patterns are made of individual pixels to minimize visibility. This is a very complicated pattern to print therefore the surface must be able to absorb and hold the printed pattern to act as a efficient form of camouflage. - Water resistance / waterproof.
When considering the conditions in different regions the factor of water resistance is very important. If our troops were in a religion subject to torrential rain waterproofing is entirely essential. This is because if the uniforms absorbed the water it would make our troops uncomfortable and overtime even ill. - Strength
Cordura is renowned for having remarkable tear strength. This means that in comparison to similar fabrics Cordura is almost impossible to tear. This is an important attribute because the uniforms are expected to last though long amounts of time and in very extreme conditions. The strength of Cordura exists because of the high tenacity fibers and denier weave. - Revolutionary strength to weight ratio
This attribute describes the amount of durability and strength in the relation to the weight of the fabric. For combat troops this is very important because everything they need for months they carry on their backs. So they need their accessories to be as light as possible and at the same time strong enough to support all their luggage. - Lightweight
Military uniforms need to be lightweight for functional reasons. A lightweight fabric contributes to the comfort and makes it easier for our troops to move around in. Also since our troops carry everything they need their uniforms and accessories need to be lightweight. This is because the addition of any unnecessary weight minimises the efficiency of our armed forces. - ‘Next-to-skin’ comfort
Given that our troops are posted out at several months at a time the uniform they wear everyday must be comfortable. These fibers have been tested and refined over the last 30 years to be the most comfortable. Cordura can even be worn against the skin without becoming itchy, irritable or in any way uncomfortable. This is effective because the uniforms do not need lining allowing them to remain lightweight. - Combat tested.
Cordura is not only the fiber of choice for Australia but also many other militaries. The company that manufacture Cordura test the fabric in the conditions the uniforms will be subjected to. This makes sure that the fibers are the most efficient and functional for the needs of military uniforms.
The future of Cordura.
Cordura has been used extensively for our military uniforms and accessories for the past couple of decades and continues to be today. It’s qualities combine to be a perfect fiber for the functional needs of our armed forces. However while at the Military Heraldry the curator mentioned that scientists are creating fibers that are biodegradable for the next range of uniforms. Since INVISTA is a major international company supplying fabric to various militaries I am not sure they will consider it in their interests to make Cordura biodegradable. For this reason I am not sure that in the next 10 years the Australian military will be continuing to use Cordura.
References
- Answers Corporation (2009), ‘Denier’ [online], Denier : definition from answers.com, viewed Sunday March 1:
http://www.answers.com/denier - INVISTA (2009), ‘Fabric technologies – what is cordura?’ [online] CORDURA® Brand – fabric technologies, viewed Sunday March 1:
http://www.cordura.com/en/index.html - Wichita, K. (2009), ‘CORDURA® Brand Fabrics at the Heart of JanSport Heritage Collection’ [online], viewed Sunday March 1:
http://www.prlog.org/10177469-cordura-brand-fabrics-at-the-heart-of-jansport-heritage-collection.html
Faye Pinner ©
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