Abstract
Research leading to the development of specialized fabrics for an agency of the Department of Defense is described. Requirements called for the fabrics to be highly resistant to the passage of water and air and to possess relatively high tensile and tear strength, yet to be light in weight. The effects of 7 types of fabric structure on the physical properties of the fabrics are discussed. Of the constructions tested, basket weaves offered an acceptable com promise among the properties desired, with a 2/2 basket being highly water resistant without any chemical treatment and a 3/3 basket being slightly less water resistant and slightly more tear resistant. Regardless of the weave, as the picks per inch were in creased, air and water resistance increased and tear strength decreased. Bleaching, mercerizing, and dyeing significantly decreased the tightness of the fabrics; however, application of a flame-retardant and water-repellent treatment almost restored the original resistance of the fabrics to the passage of water and air.
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