South Carolina’s Tetramer Technologies has been awarded a $12.5 million defense contract to develop combat suits that incorporate metal-organic framework (MOF) bead technology, significantly improving protection against CBRN hazards.
The initiative is financed by the Pentagon-backed Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Consortium and will span five years of R&D and trials to produce field-ready protective fabrics.
Tetramer’s MOF beads function by trapping and breaking down hazardous agents, including chemical weapons and industrial toxins, upon contact. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize military clothing by making it both lightweight and highly protective without compromising comfort or functionality.
To implement the technology, Tetramer will partner with Kappler, an established manufacturer of protective apparel, to apply MOF beads to high-performance fabrics that meet strict military requirements.
Further evaluation will be conducted in collaboration with Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, ensuring the suits perform reliably in simulated threat environments.
