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

The proposed research incorporates several inventions to produce structural components that can be assembled into a highly enhanced chemical-biological (CB) forensic evidence container for transport and storage of contaminated articles. Bio-hazardous materials are frequently encountered in standard investigations, and currently used evidence bags are designed to handle the containment and preservation issues associated with those materials. However, when the incident scene is related to military actions or terrorist activity, the challenges for collection, transport, and storage of forensic evidence multiply. New forensic evidence bag systems provided with unique tamper and agent resistant features will be produced through a collaborative effort by NanoScale Corporation and Clemson University. The key feature of the proposed system is integration of NanoScale’s reactive nano materials and/or derived composites with down selected fabrics for enhanced CB protection. In Phase I, we will identify the most promising formulations for CB containment, define and design the optimum system configuration, and test the baseline system. Results will be leveraged into Phase II, where a detailed development and demonstration using actual CB agents will occur. The proposed work through Phase II and beyond will develop a novel product that will be used both in DoD and commercial applications.