Complex Geometries for Extended Wear Respirators Towards Regenerable Particulate Matter Protection
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Department of Defense’s CBD SBIR program is seeking a rugged, 3D-printable, PFAS-free particulate filtration impactor system for extended-wear respirators used in military environments with high particulate matter exposure. The work calls for a regenerable filter or module that can attach to existing masks and respirators, trap aerosols during inhalation, and be manufactured at the point of need. Key technical goals include low breathing resistance, resistance to clogging, performance across liquid and solid aerosols, and integration into wearable respiratory protection for aerobic activity. Phase I emphasizes swatch-level demonstration, while Phase II extends to regeneration testing over multiple cycles and a prototype that can interface with a commercial respirator or mask. The opportunity is pre-release, opens April 15, 2026, and closes on May 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM, with the same date listed as the application due date.