Biodegradable Bullet

Current ammunition presents an environmental hazard due to the introduction of lead into the environment. Environmental effort to eliminate lead from ammunition is increasing in scope beyond shotgun shells. Foster-Miller proposes to demonstrate the current 7.62mm M80 cartridge lead core FMJ projectile can be replaced by a non-toxic, injection molded core that is a combination of heavy metals and a biodegradable polymer. After exposure to the environment, the biodegradable polymer will break down leaving a residue of non-toxic metal powder that can oxidize and decompose. A low cost molding process will be used to injection mold the core into the metal jacket of the 7.62mm projectile. In Phase I, we will develop biopolymer metal combinations, establish injection molding parameters, injection mold approximately 50 non-toxic, environmentally degradable projectile and prepare a final report which includes a scale-up plan for commercialization of the technology. In Phase II, will refine the process and produce quantities of projectiles for ballistic testing and evaluation. Our commercialization effort will begin in Phase I, with design input from a curren cartridge manufacturing company and in Phase II, transition the technology to the cartridge manufacture for production. By combining Foster-Miller's biodegradable polymer expertise with our teaming partners production capabilities/knowledge, we will readily succeed in producing environmentally safe ammunition that can be used by the military and commercial sectors.