DuPont last week announced promising research in the fight against
terrorism with the development of protective materials that are resistant to
chemical and biological agents.
The suits are targeted for use by US soldiers, firefighters, and other first
responders. Early feedback from wearers has been positive.
The US government has awarded nearly $2.5 million to DuPont and its partners
to assist in the development of this new technology. Prototype military garments
were recently tested by the US Army Soldier Systems Center (Natick).
Prototypes of firefighter turnout gear were shown at the recent International
Association of Fire Chiefs show in New Orleans.
In addition to traditional DuPont fire resistant materials, DuPont Nomex and
Kevlar, these new, lightweight suits contain a selectively permeable membrane
developed by DuPont that will help protect front line defenders from toxic
industrial chemicals and military warfare agents.
Through the process of selective transport the diffusion of water across a
selectively permeable membrane this membrane allows sweat evaporation and body
heat to escape to keep wearers cooler while blocking harmful agents from
entering the suit.
The new suits for the military are expected to be up to 50 percent lighter
than existing protective gear, are impermeable to aerosols and biological agents
and will fit compactly in a small duffel bag.
"In this post-9/11 environment, first responders and firefighters throughout
the country are saying they need improved protection from weapons of mass
destruction without compromising the weight and existing protection of their
turnout gear," said Dale Outhous, DuPont Personal Protection business director.
"We believe this emerging technology could revolutionize gear for both first
responders and military personnel. The new suits should be lighter, more
compact, more breathable and resistant to chemical and biological warfare
agents."
"It's just one example of the R&D pipeline from the DuPont Safety &
Protection platform where we are developing new products to help keep people
safe and protected."
On Aug. 30, the US Army Soldier Systems Center at Natick, Mass., awarded a
$1.5 million cooperative agreement to DuPont scientists for the military
application of the technology.
Earlier this year, the US Office of Homeland Security awarded North Carolina
State University, in partnership with DuPont and Globe Firefighter Suits, a
$830,000 grant to develop the next generation of firefighter turnout gear.
Dr. Roger Barker, head of the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC)
at N.C. State's College of Textiles said, "The best firefighter suits today
offer protection against several chemicals, such as battery acid, but that
protection is limited. This suit is going to take that protection to an entirely
new level with a wider range of chemical resistance at higher levels."
DuPont
