Materials and technologies for improved comfort and protection against chemical agents - a scanning project

There are many R&D activities all over the world that have potential to improve the chemical protection provided by a material without increasing the wearer's thermal load. Research spans the range between basic research at a molecular level and applied research where promising techniques are being integrated into protective systems. In particular, advances in nanotechnology have created enormous opportunities for the textile industry, including functional protective clothing for civilian and military applications. This report summarizes results from a scan of the research front with applications on the development of functional materials for C-protective clothing/C-combat suits with improved properties regarding chemical resistance and reduced heat load on the user. Trends related to materials research and selected organizations dealing with the issues are presented. The scanning project is funded jointly by the Swedish Armed Forces and FOI.