Selectively Permeable Membranes for Breathable Chemical Resistant Clothing

"Triton Systems responds to the Army need to produce new and unique selectively permeable membranes for breathable chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agent protection. Our technology is based upon a cylindrical microdomain block copolymer nanocompositewith interpenetrating channels These channels are comprised of a hydrophilic polymer, which allows the absorption of small polar molecules such as water, but block non-polar molecules. Besides this, fine control of the film processing conditions result innanoscale channels, yielding shape selectivity. Triton's innovation involves the inclusion of chemically reactive nanoparticles within these channels providing a further benefit due to an active barrier besides the existing passive physical barrier. Thecombination of these effects will permit the permeation of water vapor, but prevent the passage of harmful CBW agents. The Phase I will demonstrate the proof of principle through the synthesis and evaluation of these block copolymer nanocomposites withrespect to their water and chemical agent penetration. For Phase II we will optimize these properties, and scale up the synthesis to field test large-scale prototypes. This successful program will develop an enabling technology that will benefit manyareas where chemical resistance in a protective clothing application is required such as firefighter or first response personnel. Other applications for selectively permeable membranes i