A--Omniphobic Coatings for Enhanced CB Protective Clothing

Superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity (or Omniphobicity) have been demonstrated in the labs for many years; however, omniphobic treated surfaces can easily be compromised with slight scratching and abrasion. The purpose of this effort is to assess the current state of the art in research, development, and engineering for durable omniphobic (i.e., superhydrophobic and superoleophobic) coatings for potential applications in military clothing. It is expected that durable omniphobic treated textiles will provide increased environmental protection (against i.e., rain, water, and snow) as compared to conventionally available durable water repellant treated textiles and minimized attractions to aerosols, dusts, and dirt contaminants (thus reducing logistical burden with less frequent laundering). In addition, it is envisioned that omniphobic treated protective clothing will help to protect the skin from contact with solid and liquid toxic industrial chemicals, petroleum, oil, and lubricants, chemical warfare agents, and bacteria and viruses, thus effectively providing enhanced chemical/biological (CB) protection. A series of tests (as presented in the attached Table 1, "Material Performance for Omniphobic Treated Fabrics" ) will be conducted to assess omniphobic coatings submitted/responded to this solicitation to ensure a minimal impact to the textile's physical properties and performance characteristics, and the resulting omniphobic treatment is compatible for use in textile applications. These omniphobic coated/treated fabrics will resist attractions by liquid chemicals and aerosols by having very low surface tensions (i.e., very high liquid contact angle), while they are durable - having high abrasion resistance, good tensile strength, minimally hindering air permeability and moisture vapor transport properties. The weights add on after the omniphobic coating treatment process should be minimal. The coating should be thin, and conformal to the textile fibers. The fabric should remain flexible and dimensionally stable -i.e., the omniphobic coating process should not increase the stiffness of the fabric or shrink in any directions. The treatment process should not affect the fabric's print (color) negatively. Feedback will be provided after NSRDEC's testing and evaluation to academic institutions and industries which submit omniphobic textile products and technical data. Informal communications (in-person meetings, emails, and telephones) with NSRDEC Principle Investigator are expected to discuss technical findings. Limited future procurements and potential collaborations will be discussed, and the course of actions for successful omniphobic coating technologies that satisfied performance goals established in Table 1 will be recommended and integrated into follow-on science, technology, and acquisition programs with the aim to develop and transition advanced and novel technologies to benefit the Soldiers. Please submit omniphobic treated materials and technical data to: Quoc Truong, US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Warrior Science, Technology, and Applied Research Directorate, ATTN: RDNS-WSC-C, 15 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760.