New CBD Award – PI: Brian France
The United States Department of Defense (DOD) requires a container for the safe transportation of chemically or biologically contaminated materials, in accordance with DOD, federal and international standards. These materials must be packaged in a manner so that they arrive at their destination in good condition and without presenting a hazard to nearby persons during transport. The packaging requirements include a leak-proof primary and secondary packaging. Large containers are problematic because they must be strong enough endure large pressure differences and capable of withstanding drop and puncture tests without failure. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has developed a hazardous waste encapsulating technology that contains hazardous vapors, prevents fluids from leaking, eliminates large voids that can build pressure and adds significant structural strength. This technology is intrinsically capable of packaging different sized items without requiring onsite modification and with minimal weight. This encapsulation technology will make it possible to demonstrate a large hazardous material transfer case. This packaging technology could be applied to other hazardous materials; it has been investigated for the transport and disposal of contaminated building materials produced during biological agent remediation, and would be applicable to both commercial and national security needs.