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Researchers in the US have created a material for the US military that is lighter, stronger and less expensive than traditional materials used to build temporary tent structures.

When it comes to quickly setting up temporary buildings, the US military relies on  large-area shelters, which are used for command-and-control centres, maintenance hangars and mess halls.

Researchers at North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles have created a new fabric for these structures that is significantly lighter, stronger and less expensive than traditional materials. The research is sponsored by a $360,000 grant partially funded by the US Air Force.

According to Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, associate dean for industry research and extension, William A. Klopman Distinguished Professor and director of the Nonwovens Co-operative Research Center, current large-area tents used by the military are made of woven polyester saturated with an impermeable rubberised coating to provide protection from fire, UV radiation and moisture. And with a weight of more than 20 ounces per square yard, they are quite heavy.

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