CSIRO’s nanofibre military uniform revealed

CSIRO researchers have successfully developed a next-generation uniform prototype that employs nanofibres to safeguard Australian troops from chemical and biological threats.

The innovative material is a lightweight fabric that effectively filters out harmful particles while remaining light-weight and breathable, keeping the wearer comfortable in extreme temperatures.

CSIRO Manufacturing Research Unit Director Dr Marcus Zipper said the textile innovation was the result of collaboration with industry and research partners, including DMTC (formerly, the Defence Materials Technology Centre).

Dr Zipper said: “Our nanofibre technology, pioneered by CSIRO scientists, has the potential to significantly improve the level of protection soldiers’ uniforms provide and can also be used for non-military applications, including protecting emergency responders and hazmat crews.

“CSIRO research and development in materials science looks to improve how a particular material functions – we work across a broad range of advanced materials including metals, composites, polymers, adsorbents and nanofibres.”

The initial phase of this project was funded by the Department of Defence, coordinated by DMTC Limited and supported by Bruck Textiles, Defence Science and Technology Group and RMIT University.

Head of Program Management at DMTC Deepak Ganga said the new prototype uniform could deliver a significant leap forward in soldier protection, ensuring better comfort and mobility in harsh environments.

CSIRO project lead Dr Yen Truong said key to the prototype’s success lay in its innovative nanofibre technology.

Dr Truong said: “We harnessed the unique properties of nanofibres to create a lightweight fabric that effectively filters out harmful particles while remaining highly breathable.

“In rigorous testing, the prototype surpassed all performance targets for air filtration, air permeability, thermal comfort, and chemical protection.

“This means it effectively filters pollutants from the air, allows for breathability, maintains comfortable temperatures even in extreme conditions, and offers superior protection from hazardous chemicals.”

With DMTC Limited, Dr Truong and team are seeking funding to progress to the next stage of development.

Picture: CSIRO/CSIRO project lead Dr Yen Truong (L) and Head of Program Management at DMTC, Deepak Ganga (R) with the prototype uniform