INVISTA Launches CORDURA® NYCO Fabric With Static Dissipative Fiber

The P140 Carbon Core Of The INVISTA® T420A Fiber Offers Ideal Anti-Static Solution For Military and Workwear Uniform Applications

Wilmington, DE - September 17, 2007 - INVISTA is pleased to announce the launch of a unique nylon fiber blend with inherent anti-static properties.  The fiber blend is called INVISTA® T420A and the resulting fabrics will be qualified as CORDURA® NYCO fabrics with P140 Static Dissipative Fiber.

CORDURA® NYCO fabrics with P140 static dissipative fiber have applications in military and workwear uniforms. They are designed to be worn in environments where durability is a key requirement and static electricity is both a hazard and a nuisance.  The U.S. military mechanics coverall, which is recently available in the Army Universal Camouflage pattern, is made from CORDURA® NYCO fabric with P140 Static Dissipative Fiber.  The static dissipative performance of the P140 fiber is proven in military and industrial applications, including:  Military mechanics coveralls, combat clothing for aviation and combat vehicle crewmembers, garments worn by NASA rocket fuel handlers, and work clothing worn around petrochemical, chemical, and electrical hazards.

INVISTA® T420A is the only nylon fiber blend specifically engineered to be combined with cotton for higher durability and to dissipate fabric to fabric and fabric to surface static. The carbon core of the P140 fiber gives the INVISTA® T420A fiber blend its inherent static dissipative properties.  Further, the P140 fibers provide inherent static dissipation that perform through wear, laundry, and even in low humidity environments.

“INVISTA’s T420A blend is a valuable extension of our CORDURA® NYCO fabric line,” says Jon Heard, Business Director for the INVISTA nylon staple and government businesses.  “By combining with the P140 anti-static fiber, the resulting fabrics offer real benefits to military and performance garments in terms of safety, protection and durability.”

The P140 carbon core in the CORDURA® fabrics with T420A dissipate static through induction – the most effective form of static dissipation.  Static charges on the fabric create opposite charges on the P140 carbon core fibers.  When the charges on the carbon core build to a high enough energy level, air molecules around the carbon core are ionized.  Air ions neutralize static charges on the fabric and thus dissipate static.

Overall, fabrics based on CORDURA® NYCO fabrics with P140 dissipative fiber technology:  1. Reduce the static charge on fabrics and other materials with which it has contact2. Modify the electrical fields generated by materials so that the field is confined to the fabric and the field does not influence other materials in the area3. Moderate charge intensity to a level too low to cause spark ignition of most hydrocarbon vapor/air mixtures4. Make an anti-static garment more comfortable for the wearer5. Increase the wearer’s confidence in the anti-static properties of the garment

INVISTA® T420A fiber can also be used in blends with standard INVISTA® T420 Nylon fiber and other natural and synthetic fibers.  The static dissipative carbon core in the P140 fiber provides long lasting anti-static performance to durable CORDURA® NYCO fabrics and other fabric blends. 

About CORDURA® Brand

INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand essence celebrates individual durability: As Long As The World Is Full Of Durable People, We’ll Keep Making Durable Fabrics™. Known for its resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs, CORDURA® fabric is a primary ingredient in many of the world’s leading high-performance gear and apparel products ranging from luggage, upholstery and backpacks to footwear, military equipment, tactical wear, workwear and performance apparel. The CORDURA® brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibers businesses. To distinguish the CORDURA® brand, the word “CORDURA®” must be spelled out in all caps in and used with an ®, and it must be followed by the word “brand” or “fabric.”

To learn more about INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand, end-use products, and marketing tools please visit www.CORDURA.com. and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications, a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX™, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA®, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® and THERMOLITE®. More information on INVISTA can be found at www.INVISTA.com.