Protective coating tested with live chemical agents

Alexium International Group, Cottesloe, Western Australia, developed its Cleanshell CB repellency treatment to apply to fabric used for chemical and biological protective wear. Working with the U.S. Air Force, Alexium has been testing the fabric treatment with simulated chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The results show dramatically increased repellency of treated fabrics to simulants such as sarin and mustard nerve agents, as well as water and oil. The company has moved to the next testing stage, working with live CWAs. The Cleanshell CB treatment slows the penetration of CWAs from a few minutes to weeks. Alexium’s patented reactive surface treatment uses microwave technology to apply sub-micron coatings to a wide range of materials. Learn more.