The Development of Enhanced Chemical Biological (CB) Closure

The development of lightweight closures, offering complete protection from direct liquid, vapor and aerosol exposure, is critical to the achievement of lightweight CB protective systems for real time human operations. The objective of this researchproject is to continue development of new closures using materials which will enhance the lightweight properties of CB protective clothing and equipment applications. Phase I technology, product drawings, data guides and prototypes of novel single pullclosures demonstrated that lightweight closures, medium in size range, offering a minimum of 145 lb. crosswise breaking strength, lower slider operating force, seam tape capability at 5 lb. min. peel resistance, are easily interfaced with light weight CBfabrics and are responsive to CB needs. Phase II will demonstrate that the Phase I prototypes and concepts satisfy the performance requirements through application to CB end items. Phase II will pursue advanced developments to offer means to open theclosure systems through the addition of a separating mechanism, from either end by way of a second engagement mechanism and multiple sliders to enable two-way closed operation. The closure system technologies and designs will be down selected, fabricatedand integrated into a controlled live agent testing and demonstration test bed.The entire military CB protective community has voluminous uses for an effective closure system that increases utility. Protection equipment potentially includes gas masks,covers, gloves, hoods, clothing items, coveralls, Selectively Permeable Membrane suits and the ability to attach CB protective jackets to the trousers using a multiple slider, separating closure. Collective protection equipment potentially includes fieldmedical relief, safe zone shelters and shipboard containment items. There are immediate application possibilities within the military end item community - for these, the state-of-the-art closures. In the private, commercial market sector there arelimitless applications for lightweight, flexible, packable, low-cost, water/vapor/chemical resistant closure technology. These new closures will quickly find their way into assorted recreational tents, dry bags, fishing waders, semi-dry suits, waterproofbackpacks and duffle bags, suits for cold water canoeing, kayaking and rafting, equipage, tarps, clothing and sleeping bags, outdoor recreational weather resistant gear, underwater items, Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) protective gear, Fire, Police andEmergency Medical Service clothing and equipment.There is no