Honeywell announced recently that its high-strength Spectra(R) fiber, commonly used in bullet-resistant body armor, is a key component in novel curtains that can protect windows and doors during hurricanes.

    Honeywell Spectra fiber enables the roll-down curtains, sold by North Carolina-based John Boyle & Co. to homeowners as Storm-A-Rest(TM), to resist high winds and resulting debris. They also are extremely lightweight, weighing only two and a half ounces per square foot. John Boyle is a recognized leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial awning and marine fabrics.

    According to the curtain manufacturer, Storm-A-Rest is approved under the State of Florida's building code for Wind Zone 4, which includes the area within one mile of the state's nearly 1,200-mile coastline. The new curtains meet or exceed requirements for winds in excess of 155 mph and for impact from large wind-borne projectiles. It is estimated that 7.3 million homes are within the hurricane zone.

    "Florida has adopted some of the country's toughest building codes following Hurricane Andrew in 1992," said Joe Gelo, business director for Honeywell's Advanced Fibers and Composites business. "This application demonstrates yet another example of how Spectra fiber's strength can help end-use products perform in harsh environments."

    Atlantic hurricane activity normally peaks in early to mid-September, according to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. The official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

    Because the new curtains incorporate Spectra fiber, they are non-corrosive and UV-resistant. As they are highly translucent, the curtains allow daylight into a home -- a helpful feature during power outages. They also are engineered to stop wind-driven rain.

    Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process. In addition to armor, Honeywell produces Spectra fiber for industrial applications such as fishing line, rope and marine cordage.

    Homeowners can easily install the curtains using standard fasteners without special tools. They can be easily fastened to wood, brick or concrete surfaces. The curtains are available in more than 350 Sunbrella(R)-brand accent patterns and come with a five-year warranty.

    Honeywell made the announcement at the 2008 International Builders' Show(R), which is attended by more than 100,000 industry professionals. The company also is featuring its non-ozone depleting Enovate(R) blowing agent used in energy-efficient closed-cell foam, which is used to insulate walls, ceilings and roofs worldwide, as well as solar water heaters in China. This material was recently applied to repair the roof on the Louisiana Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. The roof is guaranteed by the manufacturer, BaySystems North America, a subsidiary of Bayer MaterialScience LLC, to resist hurricane force winds.

    Storm-A-Rest(TM) is a trademark of JHRG LLC

    Sunbrella(R) is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc.

    Honeywell Specialty Materials, based in Morristown, N.J., is a $4.9 billion, global leader in providing customers with high-performance specialty materials, including fluorine products; specialty films and additives; advanced fibers and composites; intermediates; specialty chemicals; electronic materials and chemicals; and technologies and materials for petroleum refining.

    Honeywell International is a $36 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For additional information, please visit http://www.honeywell.com.

Thank you for reading this textile article at the Fashion Newspaper.