Dress Technology
Milliken Uniform & Gear Technology
With over 140 years in consumer textiles to draw from, some of the most practical applications of innovative technology for the military side have civilian beginnings. Milliken Military commonly uses AlphaSan®, VisaEndurance® and StainSmart® for a wide variety of military fabrics and products. With the ability to function as an additive in most cases and therefore easily speced-in, these three superduty fabric technologies are the innovative way to keep warfighters and their apparel looking and performing their best.
AlphaSan®
AlphaSan® is a zirconium phosphate-based ceramic ion-exchange resin containing silver, a chemical known for its antimicrobial properties for centuries. AlphaSan® can be added to approved materials at varying levels to impart bacteriostatic, fungistatic, and algistatic properties to the material and the end-use article. Silver Ions disrupt the metabolic processes of bacteria, causing them to be unable to reproduce and spread. In low levels, it is active against a wide range of microorganisms, is thermally stable and can provide lasting results.
It also bears a number of important traits which make it meaningful to the Armed Forces. AlphaSan® is not toxic, flammable, explosive or corrosive, making it very easy to work with. It is easily incorporated into garments and fabrics at different stages of the process, making manufacturing-to-spec much easier. Most importantly, though, is how AlphaSan® is meaningful to the warfighter. This unique treatment helps keep garments and apparel fabrics fresher, and cleaner for longer, and under many wartime conditions, this is an invaluable asset.
back to top
VisaEndurance®
One of the most significant contributions to Milliken’s involvement with the US Military is being able to bring unprecedented levels of comfort and function to the gear used by warfighters. VisaEndurance®, a product traditionally associated with Milliken’s consumer side, has a multitude of applications within Milliken Military’s line of fabrics.
VisaEndurance® is combination of moisture wicking, quick drying, stain releasing and odor control throught the use of silver antimicrobial technology. Constructed using AlphaSan®, this technology actually fights the growth of odor causing bacteria. This combination makes it perfect for day-in day-out use in the field.
VisaEndurance® technology is able to be applied to a wide variety of fabrics, including baselayers and combat uniforms.
How it Works:
back to top
StainSmart®
Milliken’s StainSmart® is a technology that is suited to more specific military applications. With its excellent repellency and soil release, this fabric treatment is ideal for the pressed and polished attributes of military dress uniforms as well as several other military apparel functions.
It has the ability to repel liquid stains on the outside, causing beading where the invasive substance can be easily blotted or simply rolls off. Ground in or oily stains are come out easily as well, all while maintaining the original color, comfort and durability of the fabric even after multiple washes.
How it Works:
back to top