Next Generation Green Textiles for LCADS Parachutes with Triggered Degradation Mechanisms

In remote locations that are inaccessible by vehicles due to rugged terrain or high security risks, supplies are delivered via Low Cost Aerial Delivery Systems (LCADS). LCADS parachutes, which account for 99% of operational airdrop, are made out of a polypropylene material and are one-time-use. However, due to their single-use nature, after the supplies are recovered from the drop zone, parachutes are disposed of by burning them in a pit dug directly on the drop zone. This creates two problems: burning of the low cost polypropylene material releases toxic byproducts, which is a health hazard to the warfighters, and; the volume of drops performed generates a significant manpower burden towards parachute disposal. This proposal aims to develop a promising and attractive technology that will potentially solve both of the above identified problems. Next generation natural fiber derived parachute fabrics are proposed herein bestowed with trigger controlled enhanced degradation mechanisms. Developed materials will eliminate parachute combustion-derived health risks, provide a green, low cost alternative and potentially cause a significant decrease in the required manpower for parachute disposal. Plant-based or biodegradable materials will be used exclusively using simple, green, scalable and robust chemistries that can easily be transitioned into large scale manufacturing.