Biodegradable Reflective Chaff Material

The use of metallized glass fibers as dipoles to reflect and confuse threat radars is a long proven military technology. The simplicity of chaff and the expected long term use of weapon systems which can be defeated by chaff guarantee its utility for many years to come. Advanced Technology Materials (ATM), Inc. has already developed a process for fiber metallization which is suitable for Production of degradable millimeter wave smoke materials" Applicability of these fibers has been demonstrated by the U.S. Army CRDEC. The method of manufacture enables uniform coating on a wide variety of filamentous substrates. Thus, conductive metal coatings can be deposited onto degradable fibers permitting testing and training of personnel without concern of long term environmental impact. In Phase I, ATM will survey Potentially suitable substrate materials with proven degradability. Metallization of selected materials will be investigated. Process optimization will be Performed to yield a demonstration sample and long term feasibility evaluation. In Phase II, Product optimization and scale-up will be addressed along with further development of stable packaging for the degradable chaff material.