The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is looking for a business partner to license a new product that can be applied to wool fabrics and wool-rich blends to make them much more flame resistant.

Adding flame and extreme heat resistance is of particular interest to the Department of Defense (DOD), which is seeking ways to have uniforms that are comfortable, washable and that will not melt and form hard beads that can drip into open wounds, exacerbating injuries the way polyester fabrics do.

Wool already has some natural resistance to burning, but the DOD would like to have even more flame retardancy in their uniforms.

Other potential uses include uniforms for people who are exposed to extremely fire-hazardous situations, woolen underwear and sleepwear. Current technologies to add heat resistance employ metals or chemicals that are considered environmentally unfriendly.

In contrast, this technology was designed to be applied as a finish to enzyme-polished, machine-washable wool. The compound can be applied to yarn, fabric and finished garments, according to ARS research chemist Jeanette Cardamone, Ph.D., with the ARS Fats, Oils and Animal Co-products Research Unit of the Eastern Regional Research Center. Cardamone, along with the American Sheep Industry Association, developed the new technology.

A business partner will be able to help more fully evaluate the new technology's commercial potential, such as how long it will stand up to machine washing.

For further details about the new technology, visit:
www.ars.usda.gov/research/patents/patents.htm?serialnum=11211828.