The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, has partnered with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Cornell University, Ohio-based contractor UES, Inc. and the Palmer Muskox Farm in Palmer, Alaska to explore the use of synthetic muskox wool keratin fibers in textiles for military-grade uniforms. 

The International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research, or ICE-PPR, a collaboration between the United States and various partner nations to improve defense and security capabilities in the Arctic region, inspired nascent research efforts, while the Office of Naval Research, AFRL chief scientists and AFRL Core Programs supplied funding for the project.

Initial research conducted in AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate and the 711th Human Performance Wing indicates that raw muskox wool fibers — a material also known by the indigenous term qiviut — are preferred for their ability to lend enhanced thermal insulating properties to textiles. When combined with other natural or synthetic polymers, qiviut can potentially be used to create an alternative textile that is lighter, stronger and more environmentally sustainable than the merino wool cold-weather garments traditionally fielded to Airmen and Guardians for Arctic-based missions.