Interlocking Gecko-Inspired Microfiber/Microridge Interfaces for Flexible, High Pressure Resistant Chem Bio Closure Systems

The threat posed by Chemical Warfare Agents remains one of the key concerns in the defense against catastrophic attacks, underscoring the need to have equipment which prevents exposure to Chem/Bio (CB) agents. Conventional fastening options for such equipment generally consist of zippers, hook and loop closures, or zip-track systems, all of which have drawbacks that make them susceptible to permeation of CB agents, especially for systems such as shelters and human remains pouches. Using technology inspired by the adhesive foot-hairs found on geckos, nanoGriptech has developed microstructured closure systems which provide a robust hermetic seal, even while subjected to large pressures gradients. These closure systems incorporate areas of continuous elastomeric interfaces with interlocking microfiber/microridge adhesive arrays that mimic the micro/nano-fibrillar structures on the feet of geckos, providing a hermetic seal that is resistant to CB agents. During this SBIR Phase II project, these closure systems will be optimized for strength and durability, fully tested, and scaled up into full-scale Army shelter and human remains pouch prototype systems. Successful execution of the proposed research tasks will result in a technology which can be produced at volume and is ready for integration into commercial acquisition programs.