28 May 2003

Military nanotechnology research may lead to civilian use

Nanotechnology is not only getting big in industry, but the military is investing time and money into the field. That is why the Army just initiated the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN)—a $50 million and 150-person initiative that will serve as the Army's center of expertise in the application of nanotechnology.

The ISN's goal will be to increase the "protection and survivability" of U.S. soldiers with new technologies that target six priorities: threat detection, threat neutralization, automated medical treatment, concealment, enhanced human performance, and reduced logistical footprints. Reducing logistical footprints are especially important to an in-field soldier whose standard-issue gear now weighs upwards of 100 pounds. The goal is reducing the load to about 45 pounds.

The high-tech uniforms and gear are the key components of the U.S. Department of Defense's vision for flexible, self-sufficient soldiers who could quickly get into rugged and unpredictable terrain.

Although the final version of the U.S. soldier's uniform of the future is still several years away, researchers expect their work at the ISN will pay off sooner for the civilian world. Ferromagnetic materials already reduce vibration in engines; other commercial use will come in stronger materials and novel microphotonic devices. The nanotechnology-based uniforms in development for soldiers may also protect law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other emergency responders in the future, too.

One of the partner companies, DuPont, is exploring nanotechnology and developing protective lightweight molecular materials to equip U.S. soldiers with uniforms and gear that help protect them, shield them, and heal them in the field. Researchers are developing nanotechnology-based materials, including protective lightweight uniforms and "smart" gear. A few examples of "smart" functionality are items that can: 

• Change colors on command to camouflage in changing environments—even manipulate light to make soldiers invisible in the field. 
• Change a shirtsleeve into a splint or a pant leg into a rigid cast in the field if a soldier is injured.
• Possess built-in sensors of each soldier's physical condition and location in the battlefield so command posts can monitor soldiers from a distance.
• Weave radio communications materials directly into the uniform's fabric—providing soldiers flexibility and lighter loads.
• Automatically administer medicines and transmit vital signs to distant medics—who could then potentially perform medical triage on soldiers in the field. 
• Provide impact protection materials and systems including ballistic and shrapnel. 
• Provide chemical and biological protection materials and systems. 

Other ISN industrial partners are Raytheon, Partners Healthcare, Dow Corning, Triton Systems, Dendritic Nanotechnologies, Nomadics, Carbon Nanotechnologies, and W.L. Gore and Associates.