Increasing the protection and survivability of U.S. Soldiers—that is the goal of the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN), an organization launched in 2003 with the U.S. Army Research Service and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to serve as the Army’s center of expertise in the application of nanotechnology. DuPont is a founding member.
Nanotechnology is the science and technology for manipulating chemistry and biology at the molecular and atomic levels. One nanometer is about 1/150,000th the diameter of a human hair. Nanotechnology offers the promise of reducing the weight load of the average soldier, which ranges from a minimum of 60 lbs. up to 140 lbs., while also greatly enhancing the protection and capabilities of the soldier’s uniform. The ISN ultimately hopes to create a “smart” battle suit, enabled by integrated systems of nanotechnology, that helps protect, shield and heal soldiers in the field.
DuPont is focusing on four specific areas in its role with the ISN:
- Energy dissipative systems. The ability to dissipate the energy of a bullet or blast fragment to help prevent serious impact to a soldier. DuPont is also seeking to achieve weight reduction in the process.
- Chemical/Biological systems and sensing. This involves creation of new protective membranes and multi-layer structures to prevent the exposure of individuals to hazardous chemical or biological agents. The goal is to produce systems that reduce heat stress and weight and raise overall protection for the individual.
- Nano-scale processing. This focuses on the functional form of the nano-sized element. By applying the proper form to each requirement, different goals can be accomplished. For example, a selectively permeable nano-coating might let moisture in, but keep out harmful materials, such as chem/bio agents.
- Multi-functional materials integration. This area recognizes the need to create multiple capabilities in a small amount of space: for example, the ability to have physiological monitoring of a soldier, while at the same time being able to detect the presence of harmful agents.
In each of these areas, DuPont is exploring the fundamental concepts, computer modeling, materials generation, property evaluations, functional demonstrations, prototype construction and scale-up. Research is still in the early stages, but products may be launched in as few as three years. In addition, the innovations being developed may have potential applications for other branches of the military, as well as homeland security and commercial uses.
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