Chemical and biological threats pose a significant concern
not only to the modern warfighter but an ever-increasing number of individuals
and groups. This threat is compounded by the persistence of these agents and
the possibilities of causing increased personnel exposure by the relocation of
contaminated materials.
To combat this, NRL scientists are developing unique systems
aimed at the spontaneous decontamination of a variety of materials via the
incorporation of functional additives such as quaternary ammonium salt (QAS)
biocides, polyoxometalates (POMs), fullerenes, and phthalocyanines capable of
neutralizing chemical and biological agents.