FY 2022 STATEMENT OF NEED

 Weapons Systems and Platform (WP) Program Area 

The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) was to characterize and quantify products from thermal degradation of polymeric per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in munitions and develop a mechanistic understanding of such processes. Specifically, the goal was to understand the impact of energetic materials on the thermal degradation of polymeric PFAS as well as how varying temperatures and thermal residence times impact such degradation.   

The projects listed below were selected to address the objectives of this SON. Additional information on individual projects can be found by clicking the project title.

• Quantification and Identification of PFAS and Total Fluorine During Thermal Degradation of Fluoropolymers in the Presence of Explosives
  • Lead Investigator: Jennifer Field, Oregon State University

Research should provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with the data required to accurately identify combustion products generated from the use or destruction of munitions containing polymeric PFAS. In addition, the identification and quantification of products should help the DoD assess risk and mitigate potential impacts to both human health and the environment.