New technologies for chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear protective apparel (U)

The protection of military personnel from exposure to hazardous chemical, biological, and radiological (and nuclear) threats is still essential today and in the foreseeable future. These CBRN agents can be disseminated as gasses and vapors, but also as aerosols, i.e. small particles or droplets suspended in the air.
The protective equipment should preferably offer protection against all threat agents.
At the end of the Cold War the threat has changed from large-scale and predictable to small-scale and unpredictable incidents. As a result the demands on protective clothing have also changed. The protective equipment should have little or no negative influence on the functioning and comfort of the wearer. At the same time the protective gear must provide adequate protection for the entire period until decontamination and/or clean clothing can be provided. The application of new materials and technologies can provide an important contribution to achieve these goals.
This intermediate report of V1036 WP3.3 (deliverable 3.3.1) gives an overview of new materials and technologies that can contribute to the reduction of exposure or decontamination. In addition the scientific aspects these new developments are based on, are presented. In the final report (deliverable 3.3.2) a more operational relevant overview of these materials and technologies will be given.
This overview of innovative materials and technologies encompasses the following subjects:
• Microfibrous and nanofibrous functionalized materials;
• Novel membranes with engineered pore structures;
• Sensor and detection materials, environmentally responsive materials, decontamination and self-cleaning materials;
• Superhydrophobic materials, and Antimicrobials;
• Lead-free, light-weight, water-permeable shielding materials for radiation and nuclear protection.
These developments can be used to serve unmet personnel CBRN protection needs while increasing thermal comfort and decreasing bulkiness and weight of the personal protective equipment.
This project has a strong link to WP3.2 in which new concepts for CBRN protective equipment are developed. The advancements in material technology can enable or indicate possible directions for the development of innovative concepts. (U)