Clean, Green, ChemBio Defense/Fire Retardant Process Using Nanotechnology

The dynamics of nano-size interactions of metal hydroxide nanoplatelets is a new field of material science. Initial research conducted by Aqua Resources and the Department of Defense, offers the promise of an innovative means of effectively defending against Chemical/Biological (CB) warfare agents in a cost effective manner without the attendant residues and long-term damage associated with traditional methods. The platelets have the ability to resist CB contamination and be self detoxifying which will return mission assets to a MOPP-free status/condition in a timely manner. Magnesium hydroxide nanoplatet technology promises to be an effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly solution for countering CB warfare threats. In addition, magnesium hydroxide is a known fire retardant and can be used in platelet form as a platform to carry other enhanced C/B and fire retardants, which will augment those properties of materials, such as fabrics, plastics, etc. Additionally, magnesium hydroxide nanoplatelets are non-toxic to humans and anti-corrosive. Aqua Resources has patent-pending protection on the morphology of platelets and the production process which produces them. BENEFITS: Applications of nanoplatelets technology are virtually universal and could have a positive and profound impact on the Nation’s infrastructure in a myriad of everyday commercial/industrial applications: e.g., as a mildewcide/bactericide/fungicide in the manufacture of dry wall panels, lumber and any and all other construction materials for which fungal control is a major issue; CO2 scrubber in smokestacks to reduce carbon footprint and improve air purification systems; food packaging industry as a bactericide; active ingredient in antifungal creams for human and animal usage; multipurpose disinfectant in hospital settings. Nanoplatelets of magnesium hydroxide will be a better fire suppressant system for aircraft fires because of its anti-corrosive capability. On industrial fires, Magnesium hydroxide can be used in any one of its three states , jell, foam, and powder to neutralizing toxic smoke and runoff while suppressing the fire. On synthetic or natural textile magnesium hydroxide nanoplatelets add new properties of, fire retardant, super hydrophobic, oleo phobic and antimicrobial capabilities. Perhaps the most dramatic promise is the ability of nanoplatelets to kill drug/antibiotic-resistant bacteria (i.e., community acquired-MRSA) and other bacterial resistant mutants. Since nanoplatelets can be created with a virtually infinite combination of morphologies and chemistries, it is the ultimate antimicrobial.