Focus on Research

For military protection

Professor develops fire-resistant materials

Dr. Charles Wilkie, a foremost academic researcher into flame retardant polymers, was awarded an appropriation from the U.S. Department of Defense for research that may save military lives. Wilkie, Pfletschinger Habermann Chair and professor of chemistry, in partnership with a defense contractor, received the $1.1 million contract to direct research that will develop fire- and blast-resistant materials for military force protection. He is working to enhance and improve a coating that could protect ships and aircraft carriers — as well as men and women in uniform — from the effects of a ballistic impact.

“Polyureas make up the fire-resistant material that is currently used, but those polyureas burn,” he says. “Our job is to work to make sure they won’t burn.”
The research could limit fire damage and destruction that often occur after an explosion. “We’re developing an anti-ballistic material, so the intention is to save lives,” Wilkie says.

The research may also have a commercial application. “The research resonated so well with our congressional delegation because it has the potential to save lives even beyond the battlefield,” says Rana Altenburg, vice president for public affairs at Marquette. “Just think of the benefits of having this flame retardant applied to office buildings and homes.”

Sen. Herb Kohl and the Wisconsin congressional delegation played key roles in securing the funding.