CSIRO to Create World's Best Respirator for Defence Force Personnel with Australian Business

Source: Sally Wood

During the First World War, soldiers were given primitive gasmasks that filtered out toxic gases. Contemporary respirators provide minutes of protection against dangerous chemicals before defence force personnel need to swap out the absorbent canister. However, this is set to change after CSIRO was recently awarded its largest contract to date. The national science agency is fasttracking the development of new protections for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Scientists have been working with chemical, biological and radiological agents to further develop and commercialise the ADF’s worldleading respirator technology. Dr Larry Marshall (CSIRO’s Chief Executive) said the $8.6 million Defence Innovation Hub contract is a critical part of maintaining a secure Australia and region. “We are using science to create real-world solutions, working with Australian industry to build sovereign capability and turn brilliant ideas into something ground-breaking to protect our troops. We are aiming to develop a respirator that will be the most capable in the world,” said Marshall. The single canister device is a change from existing technology, and provides protection for longer periods, and against more potential threats. In addition, it will significantly reduce exposure to a broad spectrum of toxic industrial chemicals. The technology uses metal organic material rather than carbon based absorbent material to provide more effective protection against a broader range of contaminants CSIRO will be working with the Melbourne-based chemical manufacturing business and porous material’s producer, Boron Molecular, and Brisbane-based, Veteran Owned EPE Trusted to Protect, to develop the respirator, as well as Monash University. Professor Matthew Hill is a CSIRO researcher, who has been studying porous solids for around 10 years and has developed an efficient and costeffective manufacturing process. “By combining our expertise in nanofibers and porous solids, we’re developing a technology that will protect our military personnel from weaponised toxic chemical gases and vapours and give them a greater chance to safely complete their mission,” he said. This innovation combines nanofibers and porous solids to soak up hazardous gases like a sponge. Nanofibers are super-light filters that can stop dangerous particles from getting through. By incorporating porous materials into respirators, toxic industrial chemicals can be adsorbed before they affect the wearer. Dr Oliver Hutt is the CEO of Boron Molecular, and said his company was excited to be involved in the development of the leading-edge sovereign capability. “We’ve worked with CSIRO for many years on various projects, but it’s particularly rewarding to be involved in the development of a technology that will help keep our military safe.” Hutt’s organisation is a chemical manufacturing business and porous materials’ producer. Similarly, the Brisbane-based and Australian Veteran Owned business, EPE Trusted to Protect, is the lead commercial partner on the project and is manufacturing the canisters. “We are excited to work with CSIRO and Defence Science and Technology Group to ensure that the product produced is not just the best technologically but also operationally meets the needs of service personnel,” said Warwick Penrose, who is EPE’s Managing Director. The company specialises in using advanced technologies to protect service personnel. These services include bomb response robots, counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear capabilities. Penrose said the team was looking forward to delivering the canisters to defence personnel and first responders. “Ultimately, we are excited by the prospect of getting this product protecting the service men and woman of Australia, our allies, as well as the first responder community,” he said.

The single canister provides both protection for longer periods and against more potential threats than other respirators.

The respirator will be critical to the nation’s first responders.

The Defence Innovation Hub contract will further develop and commercialise the world-leading respirator technology.