Application of a Treatment to the Military Fabrics that is Affordable and Provides Durable Flame Resistant Properties Navy SBIR FY2012.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.3 Topic No.: N123-153 Topic Title: Application of a Treatment to the Military Fabrics that is Affordable and Provides Durable Flame Resistant Properties Proposal No.: N123-153-0118 Firm: Alexium Government Solutions LLC 8 Distribution Ct Greer, South Carolina 29650 Contact: Bob Brookins Phone: (864) 373-5887 Abstract: 50/50 Nylon/Cotton (NyCo) fabric is currently used for many standard issue combat uniforms, such as the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) and the equivalent ACU/ABU equivalents in other DoD services. While 50/50 NyCo fabrics are proven performers in combat uniforms and are a relatively inexpensive, 50/50 NyCo fabrics have no flame resistant properties and can cause serious burn injury if the soldier is exposed to flames or attacked by an improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 50/50 Ny/Co fabrics melt and drip when exposed to high heat, sticking to the skin and intensifying soldier (burn) injuries. The goal of the proposed effort is to demonstrate a topical treatment process for 50/50 NyCo that can compete with expensive, inherently flame resistant FR fabrics on performance, while adding little additional cost to 50/50 NyCo garments. Alexium is proposing a novel and innovative approach to meeting the requirements of combat clothing. Specifically, Alexium is proposing a project that will establish the feasibility of applying an inexpensive and highly effective, topical treatment on standard military nylon/cotton fabric. In this project, Alexium is proposing to combine, in novel ways, derivations of an environmentally safe, halogen free, FR treatment - already developed for nylon fabrics - with FR chemistries traditionally used in cotton applications. Benefits: By researching, developing, and demonstrating a new topical treatment for NyCo fabrics used in large volume military applications, Alexium will increase the warfighter capabilities, enhance soldier protection, and save procurement and maintenance costs. In any applications where conventional NyCo is used, Alexium's treatment will offer FR protection at a very small additional cost (5-10%). This benefit could be very significant across the Marine Corps and other DoD services, but difficult to quantify. In addition to these benefits, the Marine Corps could benefit from savings derived from procuring a less expensive garment than the current FROG gear. Return