Carbon Based Nano-Additives for Chemically and Biologically Protective Polymeric Nanocomposites

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project ? is primarily to investigate the chemical and biological protective properties of nano-additives in bulk and in polymers. Conventional chemical and biological protective materials are based onactivated carbon, polymers and their combinations. Their mechanism of protection is based on adsorption and impermeability, respectively, and does not neutralize chemical and biological threats. In saturated chemical and biological environments thesematerials usually fail. The combination of advanced carbon based nanoparticles, and advanced formulations with polymers have the potential to alleviate the strength of these composites and improve their protective and reactive response to chemical andbiological toxic agents. Several formulations of these carbon based nano-additives with and without polymeric binders have the potential to react with electrophilic chemical warfare agents, inhibit the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, andneutralize viruses. Carbon based nano-additives and polymeric nano-composites will be developed and tested for their reactivity, reversibility, fast response to different chemical and biological threats. Low cost carbon based nano-additives with ultrahigh adsorption and reactive protection against toxic chemicals, and microorganisms. They yield ultra-light weight polymeric nanocomposites with improved strength, structural stability and protective properties for diverse chemical, biological, radiation,and high impact threats.