Hermetic Seals for Chemical/Biological Protective Garments

Interfaces on existing military chemical/biological protection garments are not designed to fully eliminate macroscopic and microscopic air gaps at folds, fabric surfaces, or hook-and-loop closures, and thus do not provide a hermetic barrier against exposure. Creare proposes to develop a hermetic garment closure system that seals macroscopic and microscopic gaps at interfaces and closures and provides high connection strength between two cloth articles as well as between cloth and smooth surfaces, such as for garment interfaces to rubber gloves, boots, and respirator seals. Our closure system fills voids and provides enhanced adhesion and sealing to surfaces with micrometer-scale roughness. In Phase I, we demonstrated the improved sealing capabilities of preliminary seal designs, developed novel closure designs, and produced new prototype adhesive materials. Tests showed the prototype seals provide the shear and peel strength of conventional hook-and-loop closure material and significantly reduced air leak rate. In this Phase II project, we will optimize the seal and closure designs and develop manufacturing processes for chemical-resistant seal components. We will produce prototype closures for chemical resistant garments and test the closure sealing and strength properties.