Active Materials for Protection Sustainment (AMPS)

The Active Materials for Protection Sustainment (AMPS) system represents a transformative advancement over current Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) and Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear, addressing critical limitations that have long hampered CBRN protective equipment effectiveness. Through a sophisticated fabrication process, AMPS integrates multiple advanced material layers into a cohesive protective system using Thaero's ultrasonic dispersion and electrospinning techniques to achieve precise material distribution and alignment.The system's foundation lies in its innovative plasma fabric technology, developed with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, which actively neutralizes chemical warfare agents including mustard gas, soman, and nerve agents. The fabrication process begins with the homogeneous dispersion of nanomaterials in selected solvents, followed by the introduction of polymer binders and electrospinning into nanofiber mats using carefully controlled parameters for voltage, flow rate, and standoff distance. Partner company Hornwood, leveraging their extensive DoD PPE manufacturing experience, integrates these electrospun layers with commercial Outlast insulation and active thermoregulation aerogel composite using advanced lamination and bonding techniques.The composite incorporates Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) delivering exceptional mechanical strength exceeding 30 GPa, while enriched boron-10 isotopes provide enhanced radiation shielding. Nickel nanoparticle-coated carbon nanotubes add electromagnetic radiation protection. The system undergoes comprehensive testing at multiple stages, including mechanical evaluation of tensile, compression, and flexural properties, thermal conductivity assessment, and advanced microscopy analysis using SEM and EDS for microstructural characterization.Final validation includes chemical and biological agent testing at Battelle, high-energy particle radiation testing at NASA Langley Research Center using fast neutron sources, electromagnetic interference shielding evaluation across 1-40GHz frequency ranges, and durability testing using ball-on-disk tribometry. This rigorous testing protocol ensures the composite meets or exceeds current JSLIST capabilities while providing active protection mechanisms and superior thermal management through Outlast’s technology. The modular design allows mission-specific customization, while self-decontaminating properties and improved durability reduce maintenance requirements and logistics burden, offering significant advantages over current systems.