The development of KERTEX began in response to a request from the U.S. Army, which was seeking a bio-based material capable of matching or exceeding the performance of traditional fibers in terms of safety, fit, form, and function. The Army also required the material to enhance supportability for applications such as seat belts, seat covers, and canvas covers, while providing superior camouflage capabilities by extending the time to detection compared to standard synthetic materials.
Oceanit initiated an investigation into keratin biopolymers, aiming to create a material that could offer strength, weight savings, and durability—all key factors for the Army’s textile needs. The ultimate goal is to develop fibers that can replace a significant portion of petroleum-based synthetic and plastic fibers currently used in high-load-bearing components, including straps, belts, covers, and more. The solution to this challenge emerged as KERTEX.
Seat Belts & Straps
The U.S. Army fields vehicles that use a wide range of three-point and multi-point seat belts and restraining harnesses. KERTEX will be applied to a variety of multi-point harnesses for commander seats, crew seats, ROPS seating systems, and a wide range of other special applications that require durable restraints.
Seat Covers
The U.S. Army utilizes a variety of specialized seat covers in their vehicles; from energy- and shock-absorbing seat covers to tactical covers that offer personnel equipment storage or protective inserts. KERTEX will be applied to seat cover systems that cover a wide range of Army vehicles for use in many environments.
Packs & Gear
The U.S. Army uses a variety of packs and gear built on the MOLLE system (pronounced "Molly"). These include rucksacks, load-bearing vests, pouches, and more, recently made from heavy-duty nylon fabric. KERTEX is a possibly replacement for this material, which could make up a new generation of PALS, short for "Pouch Attachment Ladder System."
Apparel
The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) is the current combat uniform worn by the U.S. Army. KERTEX may be investigated to upgrade the apparel materials which use the Operational Camouflage Pattern (2019), such as the primary uniform, weather overgear, body armor, and more.
In line with Army requirements, KERTEX will be suitable for use in seat belts, camouflage covers, seat materials, and other applications. The material will be produced from domestically sourced raw materials and is expected to be more cost-effective than traditional natural fibers while offering an environmentally renewable alternative to synthetic materials. Currently, many of the fabrics and materials procured by the U.S. Department of Defense are not manufactured domestically. Synthetic materials, despite their negative chemical and environmental impacts, have long displaced natural fibers due to their lower cost and superior durability.
The Army has determined that the integration of advanced bio-based materials like KERTEX will cause minimal to no disruption for end-users. Additionally, the use of this innovative material allows for the recycling of domestic waste products that would otherwise be discarded or incinerated. By revolutionizing sourcing and production methods, KERTEX has the potential to decarbonize the processes currently used in the production of synthetic materials.
