Antiterrorism and Homeland Defense: Polymers and Materials

Since 9/11/2001, there has been a dramatic increase in research activity for anti-terrorism and homeland defense. Much of this research activity has been in the detection and mitigation of chemical, biological, and nuclear (CBN) materials related to explosives and weapons of mass destruction. New detection systems are necessary because current technology is not sufficient in warning of the presence of such weapons. New mitigation methods are necessary for protecting military and civilian personnel from attack, as well as securing facilities from contamination. The key to any detection system and mitigation method is to find a way to specifically and selectively identify the target, such as a nerve agent of a biological pathogen, and then design materials to protect, deter, or decontaminate the target. New materials in the form of polymers and other types have played an important role in advancing the field. Development of new materials has led to more specific chemical detectors, such as surface acoustic wave and ion mobility devices for detection of nerve agents and explosives.Development of new materials has also lead to new breathable, fabrics for protective equipment that is resistant to chemical attack for first responders. New materials are very important in decontamination of sensitive items such as computers and office art. This symposium book presents several chapters that address the development of these new materials. The chapters include esoteric research and development on key new materials for chemical and biological detection, protective clothing, and decontamination. The development of these materials is discussed on both the fundamental and applied levels.