Secure couture
Test performance
While the anecdotal performance has been very encouraging, AgResearch will also undertake scientific standardised tests to prove its claims for the material. This will be crucial in gaining commercial customers.
Stab resistance is generally tested by dropping a standard pointed knife into the composite material from a range of set heights after which the size and nature of the cut is examined to assess the level of damage. Knowing the geometry and length of the blade, it is then possible to calculate the level of penetration. Other tests measure cut resistance by drawing a standard blade over the fabric with a certain force applied. A range of other tests will also be carried out to simulate an attack with improvised weapons such as screwdrivers or a broken piece of glass.
Fire resistance is measured using standard tests covering ignition time and heat transfer.
Basic fabric tests have also been undertaken covering factors such as pilling, abrasion resistance and washability.
If successful in New Zealand, Mr Collie says the material could also be produced offshore under licence.
"There has been quite a lot of interest in the fabric from people involved in different parts of the wool processing supply chain – from garment manufacturers through to suppliers of wool processing equipment."
Whatever happens long-term with the manufacture, he says ongoing research and development will continue to be based in New Zealand to ensure the intellectual property stays in local hands. It is difficult to say how much individual garments will sell for at this stage, although it may be several hundred dollars depending on the style of garment and how many layers of stab-resistant materials are incorporated into a particular item of clothing.
With the fabric being stab resistant rather than bulletproof, Mr Collie anticipates the major markets will be regions where gun use is less prevalent, such as Western Europe. Aside from security guards and prison officers, other possible customers could include retail employees exposed to high threat levels or social service agencies where staff sometimes deal with volatile members of the public. Perhaps a sign of the times, Mr Collie says the garments may even be bought by the general public, particularly by people who have a heightened risk of being attacked in the street.
Richard Worrall is a Christchurch-based freelance journalist.
