Protective Apparel Fabrics (PAF) with Distinctly Area-Specific Waterproof and Breathable Properties

The end of the Cold War left the DOE with a surplus of nuclear facilities, which must now be deactivated and decommissioned (D&D). Appropriate protective apparel capable of shielding workers against a variety of hazardous materials such as airborne plutonium, mercury, organic solvents, asbestos, and lead is a must for D&D personnel. However, current protective apparel is unsuitable for this task as it is either bulky and uncomfortable or disposable and insufficiently protective. NanoScale Corporation, in cooperation with Clemson Apparel Research, proposes to solve this problem by designing protective apparel with waterproof and breathable properties appropriate for specific areas of the body, thus eliminating bulk and discomfort while providing sufficient worker protection. Highly reactive nanocrystalline materials will be incorporated into specific areas of the protective apparel to enhance metabolic heat dissipation and permit breathability while providing superior protection against hazardous materials. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This new type of protective apparel will be useful not only to DOE and EPA personnel, but also to emergency response personnel, laboratory researchers, and chemical industry workers. It will increase worker comfort and protection levels while reducing fatigue, thus increasing worker safety.