Teijin unveils new fabrics that withstand volcanic fragments

Japan-based chemical and pharmaceutical company Teijin Ltd has developed two new variants of the Twaron and Technora para-aramid fiber fabrics that can withstand fist-sized airborne volcanic fragments.

The recently launched textiles are designed and produced in accordance with the Japan government's new regulations for strengthening evacuation facilities near volcanoes. The east Asia nation's Cabinet Office, National Defense Academy and the Mt. Fuji Research Institute were also consulted during the fabrics' development.

In simulation tests, the textiles demonstrated their ability to protect against fist-sized fragments similar to those produced during the 2014 eruption of Mt. Ontake in northeast Nagoya.

According to the company's press release, Twaron has a tensile strength six times higher than steel of the same weight, and better elastic modulus and resistance to heat while Technora boasts an even greater tensile strength, and impact-, strain and chemical resistance.

Teijin claimed that it is the only company in the world manufacturing the two types of para-aramid fibers, which are also lightweight and durable.

At present, Japan's Ministry of Environment is using the textiles to refurbish the roof of the Ebino Eco Museum Center in the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park on the island of Kyushu south of the country.

Teijin plans to focus marketing on local municipalities and private enterprises in areas prone to volcanic activity, with sales expected to reach 50,000sqm by March 2017.

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