Innovation Needed for Chem-Bio Gear

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May 2006

By Stew Magnuson

While Defense Department officials insist that the chemical-biological protection given to U.S. personnel is the best in the world, there is a lot of room for improvement, they admit.

“It’s a difficult science to get your arms around,” said Jim Nelson joint project manager for individual protection at the joint program executive office for chemical and biological defense. There are myriad numbers of threats to consider, numerous body types to fit the ensembles on, and dozens of missions performed by soldiers to take into account.

What color and type of camouflage to use can spark intense debate.

The program office is seeking revolutionary solutions to some of the problems that have plagued chem-bio protective gear since the technology was first used in World War I. The military is carrying out its own research, but searching for solutions in the private sector as well.

At the top of the list is low-cost, flame resistant material. The operative word being “low-cost,” said Scott Paris, deputy project manager for individual protection for ground forces.

“If you can come up with a low-cost, flame-resistant material, we want to hear from you,” he told an industry conference. “You will become rich, and we will become heroes.”

Currently, adding flame resistance to a chem-bio protective glove doubles its costs. Cheaper flame-retardant material would have applications outside the chem-bio world. Military customers would “be lined up at your door,” Paris predicted.

The Natick Soldier Systems Center, in Massachusetts, is investigating advanced concepts for making ensembles lighter and cooler. Sweaty suits have been a long-time complaint, exacerbated by recent conflicts in South Asian deserts.

The research and development lab has been looking into selectively permeable membranes, which would allow heat to escape while keeping harmful gasses out.

Another long-term goal for the office is self-decontaminating materials. Nanotechnology would place “reactive material” in the fabric that would self-detoxify within hours of exposure.

For masks, the program office is still looking for the silver bullet that would lower breathing resistance. One advanced concept has the filters placed in the back of the head to improve vision and comfort.