Fabrics for Gliding Decelerators

Abstract

This work has been concerned with the development of fabric having suitable characteristics for use in gliding decel erators. Conventional woven fabric proved to be unsuitable because the desired low level of air permeability could not be achieved, particularly when the fabric was subjected to biaxial stress. Very low permeabilities were obtained by applying a coating having a weight of at least 0.5 oz/yd² (0.017 kg/m²). Most conventional coating materials could not be used because of excessive adhesion between the coated surfaces under pressure packing conditions. The best coating procedure, giving the combination of high tearing strength and no pressure-induced adhesion, consisted of two base coats of a soft polyurethane covered with a coat of nylon. When applied to appropriately designed basket weaves, fabrics were produced which represent a considerable improvement over present commercially available fabrics, par ticularly with respect to tearing strength and ability to be pressure-packed without adhesion.