Wide Area Collective Protection

The objective will be to develop innovative technologies for rapid sensing and filtration/neutralization of threat agents for wide area chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) collective protection (COLPRO). The proposed shelter fabric will be a single layer shelter fabric that meets all properties and will provide a rapid-reaction wide-area COLPRO capability throughout city-block sized fixed infrastructure. In addition to preventing the chemical agents from rapidly penetrating through the fabric, UDC will evaluate the addition of reactive nanoparticles that will neutralize or destroy chemical warfare agents that permeate into the polymer. Fluorescent sensors will be embedded in the shelter fabric to rapidly detect and warn of the presence of biological threat agents, while simultaneously neutralizing them to achieve an effective COLPRO capability to sufficiently provide safe areas that prevent infiltration and the spread of contamination. These shelters will be strong enough to for a minimum of 6 months continuous use and also be capable of multiple usage. A final report on work performed with all resultant data and conclusion will be submitted at the end of the Phase I program.