David Ohayon, Kathy Low, Pierre Jean Messier, Stéphane Bourget, Joe Tanelli, and Scott Brown. Triosyn Corp,, Williston, VT
Triosyn is a stable iodinated ion-exchange resin consisting of a triiodide complex (I3-) that is bound ionically to a quaternary amine based ion exchange polymer. This polymer is a versatile antimicrobial agent that belongs to a novel class of non-toxic, broad-spectrum biocidal agents used to control disease-causing microorganisms and to treat microbial infections. Over the past few years, Triosyn Corp and the Natick Soldier Center have been working on one possible application for this innovative material. At present military tents require powered devices for air filtration that are heavy and cumbersome. Shelters that incorporate passive chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) filtration can satisfy the need for more light-weight and portable shelter. The first line of defense is a textile layer containing Triosyn that provides active biological protection and chemical neutralization of agents. Air flow is then filtered again through a military grade carbon layer for added chemical protection before entering the interior of the shelter. Filtration shelters have been tested at various test centers to evaluate the breathable air panel's safety and efficiency. The Natick Soldier Center has performed tests to measure the carbon dioxide levels accumulated within the shelter. Particulate testing with polyalfaolefins (PAO) has been carried out by Alaska Tent and Tarp to determine the mechanical filtration capabilities. The chemical filtration ability has been tested at Battelle Memorial Institute. At Triosyn Research, microbial challenges to the filter media have been done to demonstrate its kill efficiency. This presentation will describe the science and technology behind this innovative material and the experience of developing a product for a high tech military application.