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Advanced textile technologies for tactical performance and protection
RUDOLF Technologies: Elevating the operational safety and comfort of defence textiles.
The effectiveness of military apparel depends on the advanced technologies embedded on its fabrics. RUDOLF's innovative solutions transform textiles, providing exceptional breathability, moisture control, water repellency and flame resistance. These features ensure maximum comfort and critical protection in challenging environments.
Our specialized finishing technologies enhance durability and safety without sacrificing mobility or comfort. These innovations allow defense apparel manufacturers to produce garments that keep military personnel dry and protected, helping them stay focused during training and active deployment.
Repellents
With RUCO-GUARD® / RUCOSTAR® fluorine technology (C6), RUDOLF offers powerful oil and water repellency that provides protection against blood, hazardous chemicals, oils, and liquids with very low surface tension. This finish is indispensable for workwear, PPE, and technical fibers, among other things. In many special applications, there is no viable alternative, as competing technologies do not offer the required protection. BIONIC-FINISH® ECO is available as a fluorine-free, water-repellent alternative. This technology protects against everyday water-based stains, makes cleaning easier, and extends the life of textiles—without compromising feel or appearance.
Waterproof
RUDOLF offers ECO-VENT®, a water-based PU coating. The waterproof coating is permeable to water vapor. ECO-VENT® is a sustainable coating system that is free of solvents and formaldehyde.
Soil Release
The use of FERAN® provides the fibre surface of synthetic and cellulose textile fibres with a durable protective layer that prevents stains from adhering. Thanks to this innovative finish, dirt and stains are easier to remove.
Abrasion Resistance
Military clothing often shows significant signs of wear and tear after repeated use. However, high-quality RUCO-PUR® finishing agents make the material more abrasion-resistant, so you can always perform at your best.
Hygiene and Freshness
Moisture and warmth provide ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms that cause unpleasant odors. With PRISTINE/Sanitized®, RUDOLF has an effective finish in its portfolio that protects against odors and offers maximum comfort in stressful or strenuous situations.
Moisture Management
Textiles treated with HYDROCOOL® efficiently absorb moisture and distribute it over a large area on the outside. Thanks to this sweat-wicking and quick-drying function, the skin stays dry and feels comfortable, especially during high-intensity activities.
Flame Retardant
Our flame-retardant treatments reliably protect textiles from ignition, thereby increasing safety in demanding work environments.
Vector protection
With Sanitized® technology, RUDOLF offers an innovative solution for reliable vector protection. Military clothing is treated with a durable protective finish during manufacture. The integrated active ingredient provides effective protection against the transmission of pathogens by mosquitoes or ticks, for example during operations or exercises in tropical areas or in local forests and nature reserves. The protection is permanently integrated into the fabric and remains effective even with intensive use.
Repellents
With RUCO-GUARD® / RUCOSTAR® fluorine technology (C6), RUDOLF offers powerful oil and water repellency that provides protection against blood, hazardous chemicals, oils, and liquids with very low surface tension. This finish is indispensable for workwear, PPE, and technical fibers, among other things. In many special applications, there is no viable alternative, as competing technologies do not offer the required protection. BIONIC-FINISH® ECO is available as a fluorine-free, water-repellent alternative. This technology protects against everyday water-based stains, makes cleaning easier, and extends the life of textiles—without compromising feel or appearance.
Waterproof
RUDOLF offers ECO-VENT®, a water-based PU coating. The waterproof coating is permeable to water vapor. ECO-VENT® is a sustainable coating system that is free of solvents and formaldehyde.
Soil Release
The use of FERAN® provides the fibre surface of synthetic and cellulose textile fibres with a durable protective layer that prevents stains from adhering. Thanks to this innovative finish, dirt and stains are easier to remove.
Abrasion Resistance
Military clothing often shows significant signs of wear and tear after repeated use. However, high-quality RUCO-PUR® finishing agents make the material more abrasion-resistant, so you can always perform at your best.
Hygiene and Freshness
Moisture and warmth provide ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms that cause unpleasant odors. With PRISTINE/Sanitized®, RUDOLF has an effective finish in its portfolio that protects against odors and offers maximum comfort in stressful or strenuous situations.
Moisture Management
Textiles treated with HYDROCOOL® efficiently absorb moisture and distribute it over a large area on the outside. Thanks to this sweat-wicking and quick-drying function, the skin stays dry and feels comfortable, especially during high-intensity activities.
Flame Retardant
Our flame-retardant treatments reliably protect textiles from ignition, thereby increasing safety in demanding work environments.
Vector protection
With Sanitized® technology, RUDOLF offers an innovative solution for reliable vector protection. Military clothing is treated with a durable protective finish during manufacture. The integrated active ingredient provides effective protection against the transmission of pathogens by mosquitoes or ticks, for example during operations or exercises in tropical areas or in local forests and nature reserves. The protection is permanently integrated into the fabric and remains effective even with intensive use.
Textile Application, Examination Techniques and Certifications
Our RUDOLF products are certified to the highest standards and tested for effectiveness in our service laboratories. Many products are bluesign- and GOTS-certified, Inditex-listed and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified.
We also support the ZDHC initiatives for a toxic-free textile production. These certificates and tests ensure that our products are environmentally friendly, functional and durable.
Relevant Test methods
At RUDOLF we are offering a various amount of relevant test methods. For military wear the following test methods could be of interest:
- Spray test: AATCC 22/ISO 4920
- Determination of water-repellency of fabrics to the Bundesmann rain-shower test: DIN EN 29865
- Biocide Test Method: ASTM-E2149; AATCC 100
- Absorbency: AATCC 79 TEGEWA Water drop test
- UV-Protection Factor (UPF) acc. to AATCC 183:2004
FAQ's
Can products containing fluorine still be used on military apparel?
Yes, there are specific areas in the Personal Protective Equipment, that are still allowed to use fluorine-containing products...
Learn moreCan products containing fluorine still be used on military apparel?
Yes, there are specific areas in the Personal Protective Equipment, that are still allowed to use fluorine-containing products, since this is currently the only product group, that fulfils all performance requirements of the PPE. Using PFAS-containing products is still permitted in the fields of e.g. Personal protective equipment of risk category 3, Medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, as well as textiles used in construction.
Do you need a coating for getting a good water column or is a finish sufficient?
For a durable DWR-performance that is PFAS-free you need ...
Learn moreDo you need a coating for getting a good water column or is a finish sufficient?
Water-repellent finishes can repel water droplets very efficiently. BIONIC-FINISH® ECO is a well-known technology that offers high-performance products with excellent water and dirt repellency properties. This technology is ideal for textiles that are only exposed to light rain temporarily, as it prevents them from getting wet immediately.
However, if textiles are permanently exposed to heavy rain, a waterproof coating is required. For this purpose, we recommend our ECO-VENT® technology, which is renowned for its exceptional water resistance.
Further information on both technologies can be found on our website:
Do I need to pay special attention when washing defence textiles?
The washing conditions always depends on the applied finish.
Do I need to pay special attention when washing defence textiles?
The washing conditions always depends on the applied finish. When for example a DWR-finish was applied to the fabric, a heat treatment after washing is required to reactivate the water repellent effect.
RUDOLF always recommends brands to adjust the care label instructions, in case any adjustments in terms of washing need to be done for a specific material.
Why should we choose RUDOLF?
For RUDOLF individual service is focus....
Learn moreWhy should we choose RUDOLF?
For RUDOLF individual service is focus. With our 11 state-of-the-art laboratories at our headquarters and 18 production facilities worldwide, we are your partner for demanding projects. No matter if you are currently in the sampling process or if you are dealing with problems in the bulk production. With our products, technologies and spirit we are supporting the whole textile supply chain.
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