Cordura
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Cordura is a collection of synthetic fiber-based fabrics used in products including luggage, backpacks, trousers, military wear, and performance apparel.[1]
It was developed and trademarked by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) in 1929. Cordura is currently owned by Invista, a subsidiary of Koch Industries.[2] Cordura fabrics are usually made of nylon, but some blend nylon with cotton or other natural fibers.
Overview[edit]
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… 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.” [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 nylon products instead. In 1977, researchers discovered a process for dyeing Cordura, which led to a broader range of commercial applications. Eastpak was the first brand to use Cordura fabric in their luggage.[6] By 1979, soft-sided Cordura luggage constituted about 40 percent of the luggage market. JanSport used the canvas-like nylon in their original daypacks in the 1970s, and exclusively uses polyester Cordura 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 textile motorcycle jackets and pants for abrasion resistance. Cordura is used in motorcycle gear made by companies such as Klim, Rukka, MotoPort, Rev'It!, Olympia, Aerostich, and Dainese.[9]
Variants of Cordura fabrics differ in weight, appearance, 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 applications[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.
References[edit]
- ^ "CORDURA® Brand - Home". www.cordura.com.
- ^ "Koch Subsidiaries Buy Fibers Unit from DuPont". Invista.com. 2004-04-30. Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
- ^ "Cordura". dupont.com. 2009-02-02. Archived from the original on 2011-07-31. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
- ^ "A Short History of Manufactured Fibers". Fibersource.com. 1969-07-20. Archived from the original on 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
- ^ ”Du Pont Digest” (advertisement), Notre Dame Scholastic, Vol 89 No. 21, 9 April 1948, 7.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "EcoTextiles Just Got Tougher: Cordura EcoMade". TreeHugger. Archived from the original on 2010-03-28. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
- ^ "Manhattan Portage Bags - Company Information". Manhattanportage.com. 2011-08-17. Archived from the original on 2017-06-09. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
- ^ "Save Your Hide Article". Motoport.com. Archived from the original on 2009-02-21. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
- ^ "Invista Unveils Cordura Denim Fabric". Textile World. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody". Outdoorinformer.com. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2011-10-18.