Novel Nanomaterials for Environmental Protection of Special Operations Divers

Environmental protection is a critical need for special operations forces which dive in cold water during their missions. Thermally protective diving suit must be able to provide significant thermal barriers as well as withstand high compressive loads when underwater. Current diver wet suits and dry suits are limited by their materials of construction in the degree of thermal protection they can provide. New solutions are desired to provide enhanced diver comfort, mission effectiveness, and expanded ability to operate in extremely cold environments. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has proposed a novel nanomaterial composite which can provide exceptional thermal and structural support for superior environmental control. BENEFITS: This technology has potential benefits to both military and civilians applications. In addition to military diving missions, recreational divers can use the product developed by this SBIR. Further, the insulating materials may have applications in other cold weather protective clothing and equipment beyond diving garments.