Phase Change Materials for Enhanced Warfighter Survivability
ID: A24B-T014Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

Phase Change Materials for Enhanced Warfighter Survivability

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: STTRPhase: Phase IYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2605959

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Apr 17, 2024 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open May 15, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for Phase I of the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. The specific topic of the solicitation is "Phase Change Materials for Enhanced Warfighter Survivability" and is under the branch of the Army. The objective of this topic is to find innovative solutions using phase change materials (PCMs) to regulate the microclimate of a Closed-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (CC-SCBA) worn by warfighters. The goal is to reduce thermal burden, enhance operational longevity, and improve warfighter efficiency.

The current CC-SCBA systems place a significant thermal load on the operator, leading to increased fatigue and reduced mission duration and effectiveness. The integration of optimized PCM matrix could regulate the temperature of inspired air, enhancing warfighter lethality and survivability. The material must demonstrate efficacy in a composite or blend format, ensuring compatibility with existing CC-SCBA configurations and surpassing the performance of conventional ice-based systems. The ideal solution is a phase change material that can maintain an inspired air temperature below 35 °C under operational flow conditions for a duration of 4 or more hours.

The development process will include the optimization of encapsulation methods to prevent leakage and enhance material integration within the CC-SCBA framework. The PCM will also need to exhibit long-term chemical stability and resistance to thermal degradation over repeated use cycles, ensuring reliability and safety in field operations. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will focus on the synthesis and laboratory-scale characterization of PCM candidates, while Phase II will involve the integration of the PCM into a prototype CC-SCBA system and validation in a controlled environment.

Successful demonstration in Phase II will lead to Phase III, which involves collaboration with industry leaders in the CC-SCBA market to design and produce a modular PCM component that can be seamlessly incorporated into existing systems. The module must meet military specifications for durability, operational effectiveness, and ease of integration. The project also has potential dual-use applications in other areas where thermal management challenges exist, such as industrial respirators or high-performance athletic wear.

The solicitation is currently open, with a release date of April 17, 2024, and an application due date of June 12, 2024. More information can be found on the grants.gov website or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities page.

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