Alexei Volkov
The canteen, derived from the French word cantine, meaning small barrel or box, has been an essential piece of military equipment for centuries. Evolving from primitive hollowed-out gourd designs, to glass bottles, and eventually metal, the canteen's design has always aimed to improve durability and portability. With the outbreak of World War II, the US military transitioned to aluminium canteens, but these were replaced with plastic canteens during the Vietnam War. Plastic canteens were lighter, less prone to rust, and didn't require heating, making them ideal for combat situations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of origin | 1942 |
| Reason for origin | Aluminium was needed to build aircraft during World War II |
| Materials | Plastic, porcelain enamel |
| Colors | Black, blue |
| Design | Two halves that were machine-pressed and sealed at a horizontal joint |
| Issues | Water couldn't be heated in them for long |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic canteens were introduced during World War II
The use of plastic for canteens was not without its challenges. Some soldiers found that the new plastic canteens were unsuitable for heating water, as they could not withstand high temperatures for long periods. Despite this, plastic canteens proved to be a durable and lightweight alternative to their metal counterparts.
The design of canteens has evolved over time, with early versions made from hollowed-out gourds, leather bags, or woven baskets with glass bottles inside. Metal became the preferred material for canteens in the mid-1900s, with tin-plated steel, stainless steel, or aluminium being common choices. These metal canteens were typically designed with a screw cap and a short chain or strap to secure the cap to the bottle neck.
The introduction of plastic canteens during World War II marked a significant shift in the design of these essential water containers. While the specific reasons for choosing plastic are not explicitly stated, it is reasonable to assume that the scarcity of aluminium played a crucial role in this decision. Plastic provided a viable alternative that could be mass-produced and distributed to troops, ensuring they had access to clean water during their service.
Today, canteens continue to be used by soldiers, hikers, campers, and workers in various fields. Modern canteens are often made from materials such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, titanium, aluminium, or stainless steel, each offering unique advantages in terms of durability, weight, and temperature regulation. The evolution of the canteen showcases humanity's ongoing quest for more efficient and effective ways to carry and access water during work, travel, and military operations.
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They were made of Ethylcellulose Polymer
During World War II, the US military sought to manufacture a non-metallic canteen. In 1942, the US government began producing plastic canteens using Ethylcellulose Polymer from Dow Chemical, marking the first use of plastic in canteen manufacturing. Ethyl cellulose, a cellulose derivative, has its hydroxyl groups converted into ethyl ether groups, with the number of ethyl groups varying by manufacturer. While primarily used for coating materials and thickeners, ethyl cellulose is non-toxic, making it suitable for canteens.
These Ethocel canteens, as they were called, were manufactured by several government suppliers, including ANOS, and issued primarily to the Pacific Theater Forces. They featured a two-part mould design, with each part attached to a cup ring. However, these canteens were not without issues. One major problem was that they tended to develop heat stress cracks, compromising their durability. Additionally, they imparted a bitter plastic taste to the water, which soldiers attempted to mitigate by mixing baking powder into the water before filling the canteen.
The Ethocel canteens were produced from 1942 to 1944, when they were discontinued due to the issues mentioned above. While they represented an innovative attempt to utilise plastic in canteen production, the technology of the time limited their effectiveness. Later plastics would overcome some of these challenges, but the Ethocel canteens were ahead of their time. Today, canteens are made from a variety of materials, including plastic (especially polyethylene or polycarbonate), titanium, aluminium, and stainless steel, offering improved durability and taste neutrality.
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Metal canteens were preferred for heating water
Metal canteens were first used in the early 1700s and have been a staple for soldiers for centuries. They were present in the trenches of France during World War I, at Army Special Forces camps in Vietnam, and with coalition forces during the invasion of Iraq. Metal canteens were preferred for heating water, a feature that their plastic counterparts lacked.
During World War II, there was a need to find a new material for canteens as aluminum was required for building aircraft. Manufacturers started using plastic and porcelain enamel to make canteens, which were typically black or blue. These plastic canteens were made of ethylcellulose polymer, a material that did not withstand heating. As a result, soldiers were unable to heat their water, a crucial feature in the field.
Metal canteens, on the other hand, could be placed directly over an open fire or stove to heat water or prepare hot beverages. This made them indispensable in combat conditions. Metal canteens with double walls were also effective in keeping their contents hot or cold. Additionally, metal canteens came with attachable metal cups, which were useful not only for drinking but also for shaving in the field.
While plastic canteens offered advantages such as being collapsible and sloshproof, they could not replace the functionality of metal canteens for heating water. Metal canteens have proven to be more durable and versatile, earning their place alongside newer alternatives like CamelBaks. Thus, despite the introduction of plastic canteens, metal canteens have continued to be preferred for their ability to heat water and their durability in various military contexts.
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Plastic canteens were field-tested in 1967
The history of the canteen and the soldiers who carry it share a long history. The canteen was present in the trenches of France during World War I, at Army Special Forces camps in Vietnam, and with coalition forces during the invasion of Iraq. The earliest known use of the noun canteen is in the early 1700s, and its earliest evidence is from 1707. In the context of the military, the earliest use of the term dates back to the mid-1700s.
During World War I, the US M-1910 canteen with a cover was commonly used. In the early years of World War II, aluminium was needed for aircraft, so the military adopted new materials for its canteens, including plastic and porcelain enamel. These plastic canteens were typically black or blue.
In 1966, the US Army Special Forces in Vietnam requested a collapsible, 2-quart canteen that could withstand the field environment. The first model had a square-molded vinyl bladder with a threaded spout on top, but its heat-sealed seams proved unreliable for combat conditions. As a result, a second model made of moulded plastic was field-tested by the 4th Infantry Division in 1967. This plastic canteen was olive green with a sipping spout in one corner.
While plastic canteens were introduced in the mid-20th century, traditional metal canteens have continued to be used by soldiers. Even with the advent of CamelBaks, canteens remain a staple in the US military due to their durability and the inclusion of metal cups, which are indispensable for shaving in the field.
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Plastic is still used for contemporary designs
The history of the canteen is a long one, with the earliest known use of the noun "canteen" dating back to the early 1700s. Over time, the materials used to make canteens have evolved from hollowed-out gourds and leather bags to glass bottles and metal containers. During World War II, the need for aluminium in aircraft manufacturing prompted the adoption of plastic and porcelain enamel canteens, marking a significant shift in their construction.
While the traditional metal canteen has endured alongside newer options like the CamelBak, plastic remains a prevalent material for contemporary canteen designs. Plastic canteens offer several advantages, including lightweight construction, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They are also easily moulded into various shapes, making them versatile for different user needs.
Polyethylene and polycarbonate plastics are commonly used in modern canteen production. These materials are known for their strength and durability, ensuring that the canteens can withstand the rigours of outdoor activities and military deployments. Plastic canteens are also often designed with additional features, such as spill-resistant lids, insulation, and shoulder straps, enhancing their functionality and convenience for users.
The use of plastic in canteen manufacturing allows for innovative designs that cater to specific needs. For example, collapsible plastic canteens were introduced during the Vietnam War, offering the advantage of reduced noise from sloshing water and improved portability. This design continued to see action decades later, demonstrating the enduring practicality of plastic canteens.
While plastic canteens have faced some criticism, such as the inability to heat water, they remain a popular choice due to their lightweight, durable, and affordable nature. Plastic's versatility in design and production has ensured its continued use in contemporary canteens, alongside other materials like titanium, aluminium, and stainless steel. Today, plastic canteens are widely available, catering to hikers, campers, soldiers, and anyone requiring a reliable and lightweight water storage solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic canteens were introduced during World War II, in 1942, as a replacement for aluminium canteens.
Aluminium was needed to build aircraft during the war, so the military had to find an alternative material for canteens.
Porcelain enamel.
They were typically black or blue.
Some soldiers disliked the plastic canteens because you couldn't heat water in them for long.
