LOADED NANOFIBERS FOR FORCE PROTECTION, FILTRATION, DECONTAMINATION

Co-sponsored by: NPSS

ABSTRACT: 

The study presents a systematic methodology to develop micro/nanofibers using electrospinning employing ceramers and other novel materials mixed in solutions of high-performance polymers. The methodology involves identification and selection of novel combinations of loading and high-performance polymers. The resulting nano/microfibers with properties leading to increased mechanical strength, improved sensitivity to contaminants, better filtering capabilities, improved response to electromagnetic stimuli, and desired conductivity. Also, high surface area/volume ratio and fibers with varying functionality, combined with its potential biocompatibility and biodegradable nature, offers tremendous promise for diverse applications in tissue engineering, targeted vaccine delivery, non-thrombogenic materials for blood contacting applications, chemical and biological sensors, system-on-fibers (SoF) and e-textiles. Such characteristics will allow for the creation and improvement of barrier materials for force protection, embedded informational and communication technologies (ICT) devices – signal receiving/communication capability, sensors that respond to environmental contaminants, built-in timed-release or physiological condition based-release therapeutics, filtering of contaminants, biological mimicking for sensing, and optical cloaking – all of which promise direct applications of loaded micro/nano fibers in outerwear used in combat theatre. In addition, a selected application of the loaded electrospun nanofibers in biomedicine will be presented. It was shown that antibiotic loaded biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric electrospun nanofibrous membranes can prevent post-surgery induced intra-abdominal adhesions by providing a physical barrier during wound healing process and at the same time a functional barrier against strains of microorganisms thereby reducing the local inflammatory response. The results of our previous studies including synthesis of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, production and characterization of electrospun nanofibers from those polymers, their loading with drugs and the release of the drugs from the produced matrices would provide a linkage for the development of new functional barriers for protection applications. The work is complemented by using advanced science convergence methodologies such as automated data analysis, mining and surveillance (ADAMS^TM) and technology foresight and road-mapping (TechFARM^TM) to provide additional knowledge base. Preliminary data of fibers using loaded high performance polymers will be presented with the objective to fabricate ceramers embedded multi-functional nano/micro fibers for military outerwear and gears that provide an integrated solution path through a revolutionary approach of using ceramers embedded in high performance polymers as materials for suits, masks, and embedded sensors.

Speaker(s): Ashok Vaseashta,

Agenda:

6:30-7:00 PM: Refreshments and Light Snack

7:00-8:00 PM: Presentation

8:00-8:30 PM: Q&A, Discussion

8:30 Adjourn

Location:
Room: Conference Center, Top Floor
Bldg: TeqCorner
1616 Anderson Rd.
Mclean, Virginia
22102