Chemical-Biological Forensic Evidence Container with Agent and Tamper Resistant Tools

The proposed research incorporates several inventions to produce structural components that are assembled into a highly enhanced Toxic Material Forensic Container (TMFC) for transport and storage of contaminated articles. Bio-hazardous materials are frequently encountered in investigations, and the current evidence containers are designed to handle the issues associated with those materials. However, incident scenes resulting from military or terrorist activity increase the challenges for forensic evidence handling. New TMFC provided with unique features will be produced via a collaboration between NanoScale Corporation and Clemson University. The key feature of the produced system is integration of NanoScale"s reactive nano materials with Clemson's selected fabrics for enhanced CB-protection. In Phase I, we identified two promising formulations for CB-containment, designed the optimum system configuration, and are testing the baseline system. Key areas that will be refined during the Phase II project are: Sorbent composition and capacity, decontamination kinetics, final down selection of external fabric and internal fabric lining, and particle loading optimization. The project will conclude with actual CWA and BWA testing, using GB and HD chemical agents and Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores. The proposed work through Phase II will help develop a product that will be useful in DoD and commercial applications.