CSIRO to develop advanced defence protective equipment

CSIRO will work with two innovative defence SME manufacturers to develop a range of advanced defence protective equipment to protect against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) contaminants.

CSIRO has received $8.65 million from the Defence Innovation Hub to develop a single cannister to protect breathing against these threats utilising new materials and technologies.

The grant, the largest contract to date from the hub, will integrate technologies from Melbourne-based chemical manufacturer 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.

Boron Molecular manufactures chemicals, polymers, advanced materials and provides custom synthesis services, and in 2021 became a registered Research Service Provider to AusIndustry, on behalf of Innovation Australia.

EPE specialises in counter IED, EOD, ECM and CBRN defence as well as counter drone and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies.

The company supplies Border Force as well as government agencies in New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and Papua New Guinea.

The respirator technology uses metal organic material rather than carbon based absorbent material to provide more effective protection against a broader range of threats through the use of a single respiratory unit.

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) exhibit ultra-high microporosity and surface area, which allows for a large amount of target molecules to be attracted to the surface of the framework.

Deputy prime minister Richard Marles said: “This investment demonstrates the incredible ingenuity and impact of Australia’s innovation sector to create leading solutions for Defence, contributing to a strong, sovereign defence industry.”

Picture: EPE Trusted to Protect

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