Chemical, Biological, or Radiological (CBR) Agent-Resistant Composite Materials For Tactical Shelters

To protect USAF Tactical Shelters that are deployed throughout the world, Sunrez has developed novel anti-microbial plastics, which can be applied as a coating on composite shelters or on the current metallic shelter inventory. Development of these novel polymers exploits the antibiotic activity found in certain organic materials that are Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) but are linked to surface deactivation of proteins in bacterial cell walls. Testing under Phase I has verified that this produces a polymer with bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal properties. These modified polymeric chemistries are also active against chemical agent weapons. By changing the nature of the polymer used, we have also developed and completed preliminary testing on water-based decontamination systems that could quickly decon CBR agents without creating new hazards for the structure or surrounding personnel. Both the coating and matrix resins and the water-soluble bioactive system obtain their unique characteristics because the reactive groups are permanently bound to polymeric chains, which limit the potential for skin absorption or adverse interactions with the typical materials of construction for military equipment. Sunrez will further its development of these state-of-the-art materials to the point of product application through final research, development and testing projected under Phase II.