TenCate Protective Fabrics is to launch new fabrics in its TenCate Defender M collection at the opening of Milipol 2009 in Paris today. According to the company, a new combination of fibres and an innovative dyeing method, now allow the colours navy blue and black to be produced. The resulting fabric will be used in the protective clothing of special police units, such as riot police and arrest squads. In addition to their inherently heat- and flame-resistant characteristics, TenCate says the fabrics from its Defender M collection provide good comfort to the wearer. Meanwhile, the fabric has proved itself within the US military, the company says.

Antistatic characteristics

One of the new additions to the Defender M range is DM 9180, a lightweight fabric with antistatic characteristics, weighing 180 gsm.  TenCate says that DM 9180 is particularly suitable for use in the protective clothing of air-force pilots where anti-static properties are desirable.

Multilayer laminates

TenCate Defender M is also available in two and three layer PTFE laminate and weighs 220 or 280 gsm. The TenCate Defender M fabrics with Hydro-Control and Hydro-Control Triple provide protection against moisture. These fabrics are not only inherently flame-resistant and antistatic, but also both waterproof and water vapour permeable.

Robert Brinks, business development manager at TenCate Protective Fabrics, explains: “The products from the TenCate Defender M collection are extremely strong and durable. These inherently flame-resistant fabrics provide the greatest possible protection against a flashover. The fabric is cooling, breathable and extremely comfortable, thanks to the high percentage of Lenzing FR fibres it contains. A number of armies and police forces in Europe are currently showing interest in these fabrics and various wearer trials have already been started”.

TenCate Defender M products are based on patented technology from TenCate and exclusive fibre blends.