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

Sunrez has been researching and developing methods to incorporate antimicrobial gelcoats and resins for composite shelters and, as a coating on the current shelter inventory. The resin systems and gelcoats exploit the strong antimicrobial activity of many Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) agents in the development of a new type of anti-microbial plastic. Many of these agents have antibiotic activity linked to the surface deactivation of proteins in the bacterial cell wall. This produces a polymer with bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties. A strong advantage of this type of bioactive polymer is that the active portion is permanently (chemically) bound to the high molecular weight polymer and will not migrate. We have also developed a water-based decontamination system that could quickly and effectively decontaminate CBR agents without generating new problems for the structure or the personnel using the cleaning system. We developed a water-soluble bioactive system. These reactive groups are permanently bound to polymeric chains, there is no chance that the materials can be absorbed through the skin. Because the solution is water-based, it will also be less damaging to the structures and equipment during decon, than the strong organic chemicals and a harsh caustic solutions currently used for this process.