Environmentally Safe Biodegradable Polymer Chaff

Conventional chaff, based upon Aluminum-coated fiberglass, is an effective counter-measure against radar-guided threats but when used in training missions, introduces into the environment hundreds of pounds of persistent fibers that might be toxic to humans and wildlife. Foster-Miller proposes to produce 100 percent biodegradable polymer chaff that functions as effectively as conventional chaff in critical Navy and Air Force applications, is 40 percent lighter in weight, is non-toxic if ingested by fish or wildlife and disintegrates into harmless products within weeks of exposure to the environment. We will apply our experience in polymer fiber and film processing, surface-metallization and innovative material development to provide the Navy with a complete evaluation of key technical issues. Biodegradable chaff design concepts such as melt- processed 100 percent biodegradable polymer fibers, shape memory polymer fibers, hollow fibers, polymer films and controlled solubility, biodegradable glasses will be evaluated during the Phase I program. In Phase I, we will deliver to the Navy 2 lb of biodegradable chaff in the form of 1 mil thick fibers cut to 1 in. lengths. In Phase II, we will refine the process, scale-up to larger quantities and sub^Lt procurement specifications required for the Phase III procurement solicitation. The Principal Investigator and this Foster-Miller facility have secret clearance status. The successful Phase I program will contribute major improvements to the