Tetramer Technologies, a South Carolina-based materials science firm, has secured a $12.5 million contract to integrate its advanced metal-organic framework (MOF) bead technology into protective combat uniforms. The initiative, backed by the Pentagon’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Consortium, is aimed at enhancing soldier safety in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments.
Over the five-year program, Tetramer will conduct research, development, and field evaluations of MOF-embedded gear designed to neutralize hazardous agents. The company’s bead technology works by trapping harmful substances—including chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals—and eliminating them on contact.
The project envisions transforming battlefield protective clothing into lightweight, functional gear that reduces exposure risks without compromising comfort or mobility. To achieve this, Tetramer will collaborate with Kappler, an Alabama-based leader in protective wear, to incorporate MOF beads into advanced military-grade fabrics.
Additional testing and validation will be carried out in partnership with Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, ensuring that the suits meet stringent performance requirements under realistic threat conditions. The collaboration is expected to deliver next-generation CBRN protection for US forces.
