| A consortium of four companies is developing a blast resistant panel that elongates and stretches, acting as a safety net to contain blast pressure and flying debris. Sherwin-Williams, B & H Coatings, Inc., Teijin Twaron USA, Inc. and TechFab LLC are nearing commercialization of the panel, which promises to more easily and cost-effectively build blast-resistant structures, and retrofit existing structures. John Durig, director, Sherwin-Williams General Polymers business unit, speaking on behalf of the consortium involved in the development effort, said, "The concept is to catch the explosive force on the inner side of the structure, and to protect life within against flying debris and collateral damage. We fully expect the technology to be useful for the protection of embassies, military installations, waterworks, nuclear plants -- any place that might be subject to a terrorist attack." The Israeli government and Turkish military already have expressed interest, he said. According to Durig, the technology is similar to that used in the post-9/11 reconstruction of government buildings. However, additional benefits are provided by prefabricated reinforced polyurea panels because they require less material, are easier to install, and less expensive to use. "Blast-resistant panels allow the coating -- the critical element for blast-resistance -- to be shop-applied rather than sprayed-in-place," Durig said. "The technology also may contribute to preventing progressive collapse. In three sets of tests begun in February by the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center at the Department of Defense's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Hartford County, MD, three panel variations were demonstrated to withstand blasts created by 70 pounds of C-4 explosives at a distance of 30 feet, while the control wall was reduced to rubble. The videotaped tests show the test-structure walls remained standing after the blasts. A third round of blast testing is planned. The technology was also proven to meet ASTM E-84 requirements for a Class A fire-rating. Tests conducted by the inventor, Bruce S. Hall of B & H Coatings, Inc. showed the panels also demonstrate ballistic performance. When fired upon with 12 rounds of 230-grain armor-piercing shells through a .45-caliber pistol at 20 and 40 feet, no shells penetrated the panel system. Tests on polyurea coatings performed in the late 1990s under the direction of Los Alamos Technical Associates, Inc., of Richland, WA, demonstrate that nuclear contamination can be mitigated with a single water rinse, and that the polyurea coating is radiation resistant. "This may be extremely significant in the event of a 'dirty bomb' attack," Durig said, "because clean-up will inevitably require decontamination. Additionally, the panels may assist in containing the spread of radioactivity." The companies involved are moving quickly to commercialize the technology and to make engineering firms, military and government specifiers aware of the breakthrough. Sherwin-Williams will take the lead in bringing the technology to market. | 
