The US Army is investing $1.05 million in developing protective equipment made from nanoscale materials which will be used as additives for helmets and other safety devices.
The US Army Combat Capabilities Development (DEVCOM) Soldier Center contracted Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) for the project.
As part of the initiative, the Innovative Collaborative Laboratory for Nanotechnologies to Empower Future Soldier facility was launched in North Carolina.
The laboratory will leverage the expertise of DEVCOM’s research teams, JSNN faculty, and the institute’s students in conducting work for the program.
‘A Unique Opportunity’
The new facility will integrate new sustainable nanoscale materials with yarns and fabrics used for military gear.
Sets produced are expected to provide soldiers with safer, lighter battlefield equipment.
Meanwhile, teams working on the project will have access to JSNN’s nanodevice fabrication facilities to develop sensors that can detect chemical hazards.
“This is a unique opportunity for JSNN’s students to engage in collaborative research that advances the technologies needed to support soldiers and other military-relevant applications,” explained Sherine Obare, Dean of JSNN.
“And with JSNN’s proximity to several North Carolina military bases, our researchers can directly connect with military personnel and veterans to understand the needs of soldiers to develop solutions from the users’ perspective.”