NanoMech receives $235,000 U.S. Army award for ‘multifunctional textile’ work

Springdale-based NanoMech received a $235,000 contract from the U.S. Army related to development of its n-Guard technology platform.

The contract will allow NanoMech’s work to continue on multifunctional textiles using its patented nGuard technology designed to provide a protective shield against pathogens such as malaria and the Zika virus. This protective textile could be used in the next generation of military uniforms worn by U.S. soldiers.

“As a veteran, I am proud to be associated with being selected in this innovative effort to protect America’s soldiers!” said James Phillips, NanoMech chairman and CEO. “The $235,000 contract will be most helpful along with NanoMech’s very significant financial investment to help create the most advanced military apparel in the world.”

Through novel material science improvements, the new generation combat uniforms will be able to resist a broad range of flash flame and thermal and disease threats while lightening the load carried by the soldier, improving wearable comfort, and increasing fabric durability and breathability capabilities.

Dr. Ajay Malshe, chief technology officer and founder of NanoMech, said nGuard has many more applications aside from military uniforms. He said sports, recreation, apparel and industrial applications could also benefit from the new technology that provides for antimicrobial, vector protection and is fire resistant. It is adaptive for various fabric such as cotton, nylon, polyester and synthetic blends as well as other materials.