SBIR-STTR Award

This STTR is to address the technical feasibility and commercial aspects of producing high-density fluorine-rich compounds that are significantly more reactive and energetic than conventional explosives to neutralize and destroy chemical and biological agents. The proposed project incorporates the outstanding scientific research base of the University of Florida Department of Chemistry with the technology marketing expertise of the New Era Technology, Inc. (NeTech) to conduct an R&D effort, which includes activities ranging from synthesis of innovative compounds to large volume production at a competitive cost. The effort will also overlap with and incorporate results of a basic science research effort that is conducted under a joint ISCT project (Title: Research on Combustion of Organophosphorous Esters: Burning Velocities and Flammability Limits) at the Institute of Physiological Active Compounds (Chernogolovka, Russia) and at the Institute of Chemical Physics (Moscow Region Russia.) The basic proposition is that strong SF5/NO2/NF2-substituted oxidizers should be able to be deployed in the battlefield to reduce the threat posed by biological and nerve agents. This research seeks to take advantage, in particular, of SF5-containing compounds that should be more reactive and energetic than conventional explosives. Goals for Phase I of this project include synthesis of model compounds, testing for efficacy in destruction of biological and nerve agents, and based on these results identification of appropriate final synthetic target materials. development of high energy explosives for the neutralization of chemical and biological agents; biological and nerve agent threat reduction; commercial development of high energy explosives

The goals of this Phase II STTR project is to address the laboratory production and testing and commercialization aspects of producing high-density fluorine-rich compounds that are significantly more reactive and energetic than conventional explosives to neutralize and destroy chemical and biological agents. Analyses and commercialization efforts will be conducted to develop the concept into a prototype for evaluation. Preparations will also be made for full-scale tests using key DoD facilities at Eglin AFB and Edwards AFB to demonstrate performance and effectiveness on simulated nerve agents. The project combines the scientific research base of the University of Florida Department of Chemistry and Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering with the analytical skills and technology marketing expertise of New Era Technology, Inc. (NeTech) to conduct the Phase II STTR, R&D effort. Anticipated benefits of this research include the development of high-energy explosives for the neutralization of chemical, nerve, and biological agents. Commercial development of high-energy explosives to mitigate the consequences of such an attack will lead to threat reduction from these agents.

Keywords:
Neutralize, Counteract, Chemical Agents, Biological Agents, Nerve Agents, Combustion, High Ene