The vision field of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) respirator is crafted from plastic material. Once the entire Individual Protective Equipment (IPE) ensemble is donned, the vision of water vapor condensing from exhaled breath onto the plastic surface. Consequently, the fog obstructs visibility, impending routine activities. This limitation poses significant challenges, particularly in high-stake scenarios where clear vision is essential for safety and operational effectiveness. The vision field of CBRN respirator becomes foggy within few minutes of wearing the complete IPE suite 1. Condensation of Water Vapor: Exhaled air from soldiers wearing CBRN protective equipment (IPE with respirator) leads to the accumulation of water vapor on the inner surface of their visors, causing condensation. 2. Visibility Obstruction: The condensation results in the fogging of visors, which obstructs vision and reduces the ability of soldiers to maintain situational awareness in a CBRN environment. 3. Impact on Operational Efficiency: The fogging impairs soldiers' ability to perform critical tasks, including identifying hazards, navigating terrain, and handling equipment, thereby reducing overall operational efficiency. 4. Safety and Performance Concerns: Impaired vision can lead to increased risk of accidents or errors during CBRN operations, potentially compromising both individual and team safety. 5. Need for Innovation: Current solutions, such as anti-fog coatings or manual cleaning, are not sufficiently effective in prolonged or high-stress situations. There is a need for research and development of new, durable modalities to prevent visor fogging and enhance performance in CBRN environments. To address the problem of visor fogging in CBRN protective gear, a combination of material science, design innovations, and technical solutions could be explored. Here are some potential solutions: 1. Anti-Fog Coatings with Enhanced Durability • Hydrophilic Coatings: These coatings absorb moisture and spread water into a thin, transparent layer rather than allowing it to form droplets (fog). Advanced hydrophilic coatings can be integrated into visors for long-lasting performance. • Hydrophobic Nanocoatings: These repel water, causing droplets to roll off the surface rather than adhere to it. Nanomaterials like silica-based or fluorinated coatings could be researched for high-performance anti-fog capabilities. 2. Dual-Layered Visors • Double-Layer Technology: A dual-layer visor system (similar to ski goggles) can create a thermal barrier between the inside and outside surfaces, reducing the temperature difference that leads to fogging. These can be designed with sealed air pockets to prevent condensation. 3. Anti-Fog Inserts • Permanent Anti-Fog Films: Transparent films made of materials like cellulose acetate can be applied inside the visor. These inserts are anti-fog by nature and are often used in scuba masks and ski goggles, which face similar condensation challenges. 5. Integrated Ventilation Systems • Miniature Fans or Airflow Channels: Small battery-operated fans or ventilation ducts can be built into the visor to maintain air circulation, preventing humidity buildup inside the visor. This is similar to the defogging systems used in automotive windshields. 6. Innovative Materials Other than Polycarbonate • Trivex: A newer polymer material used in high-performance optical lenses, Trivex is lightweight and provides better chemical resistance and anti-fog properties compared to polycarbonate. • Gorilla Glass: Originally designed for smartphone screens, this chemically strengthened glass can be adapted for visors. It offers extreme clarity, durability, and the potential for anti-fog coating application. • Aerogels: These highly porous, insulating materials can be explored for potential visor inserts or layers that manage condensation by regulating temperature and absorbing moisture.