Rapid Prototyped 3D Printed Filters for CW Agent Protection

Defense against chemical weapons is a critical DoD requirement. An effective defense requires the development of unique respirator systems that prevent inhalation of chemical warfare (CW) agents. In addition, the protective equipment exposed to CW agents must not pose a residual hazard after use in the battlefield. Existing respirator canisters remove CW agents, but they do not self-decontaminate and thus make it difficult to dispose of them. TDA Research, Inc. proposes to use rapid prototyping to create self-decontaminating pre-filters for existing respirators that will both remove CW agents and also self-decontaminate to solve the problem of residual hazardous material in the used canisters.