Graphene CBRN Overgarment

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Emerging Threat Reduction; Mission Readiness & Disaster Preparedness; Nuclear; Sustainment & Logistics; Military Infectious Diseases The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: By using Graphene, provide a two-part CBRN Protective overgarment with the first part protecting the wearer from most if not all CBRN agents while reducing the weight and thermal load of the overgarment. The second part will be using Graphene to create ballistic plating up to level III+ while weighing a fraction of what current level III+ plates (roughly between 4-11 pounds). With the reduced weight it would allow the wearer to don more protective pieces to areas such as the arms, legs, and other body parts. DESCRIPTION: Results of breakthrough times for the Graphene suit against CBRN agents and compare them to the current protective overgarment as well as comparing the results to Level B and Level A Chemical suits used in HAZMAT. Ballistic test results for the lighter weight level III+ plates showing that the Graphene plates can meet or exceed the standard of current plates. PHASE I: Awardee(s) will determine if a Graphene composite is a suitable replacement by testing CBRN agents against the material while measuring breakthrough times. The 1st part of the suit should be a cloth like graphene composite allowing maneuverability for the wearer. Items to be used for testing will be precursors to CWAs as well as the most lethal final product that can be legally obtained for testing purposes before it is sent to Dugway Proving grounds. The 2nd part or outer layer of the suit will be made out of a Graphene/Polymer composite for ballistic protection only and does not need to protect the wearer from CBRN agents as that is what the 1st layer is designed for. PHASE II: Awardee(s) will develop a proof-of-concept prototype. The 1st layer of should be able to incapsulate most of the members body ideally being like that of a hooded dive suit however not as tight. The 2nd layer should allow for further body coverage without sacrificing maneuverability as well as negating the need for Kevlar further reducing the weight while still maintaining shock absorption properties of Graphene. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Awardee(s) can expect to develop commercialization of the suit, manufacturing methods, cost analysis, and finalize the suit's capabilities. This phase will require involving other branches of service per public law 103-160. For this idea to be approved it must become a joint program with validated research from each branch of service. After the research is conducted every branch of service must agree to the use of the suit before acquisitions take place to replace the JSLIST. REFERENCES: S. Bhattacharjee; R. Joshi; A.A. Chughtai; C.R. McIntyre; Graphene Modified Multifunctional Personal Protective Clothing . Adv Mater Interfaces, 2019 Nov 8; 6(21): 1900622. KEYWORDS: Graphene; CBRN; Defense