Microfiber-Based Closures with Hermetic Sealing for Chem Bio Protective Garments

Future engagements (especially with near-peer threats) present the possibility of a wide range of anticipated operational situations involving the presence of chemical threat agents. With this, deployment of Military Working Dogs (MWDs) is likely. This creates a situational awareness that MWDs are potentially at risk from exposure to a wide range of hazardous chemicals. Potential threat agents include traditional chemical warfare agents (CWAs), and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs). Given these, a capability gap has been identified with regards to MWD decontamination In previous SBIR Phase I/II work, nanoGriptech developed novel microfiber-based hybrid closure systems inspired by the foot-hairs on gecko lizards which demonstrated the strength of military grade hook and loop systems with hermetically-sealable properties for improved chem/bio protection. In this Sequential SBIR Phase II project, nanoGriptech will develop methods to integrate these innovative fastening systems into next-generation CBD ensembles. Target areas of integration of the fasteners include boot/cuff, glove/cuff, and hood/jacket interfaces. Fasteners will be integrated with sensitivity toward the mitigation of contamination through environmental particulates or exposure to skin oils. nanoGriptech will work with third party ensemble constructors to supply the necessary materials for ensemble fabrication, evaluate the produced ensembles through both component level mannequin testing as well as full field testing. Based on the results of this testing, the design and construction tasks can be iterated as necessary before commercial manufacturing of the developed materials is launched at the conclusion of the proposed effort.