Pendleton’s Tetramer wins $12.5M program for soldier protective fabrics

An Upstate company has been awarded a $12.5 million program that will incorporate its technology into clothing that will protect soldiers exposed to chemical and biological weapons during warfare.

Tetramer Technologies has been awarded a five-year Other Transaction Authority program through the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Consortium managed by Advanced Technology International on behalf of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, according to a news release.

This funding supports the integration of Tetramer’s advanced Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) bead technology into protective fabrics designed to safeguard soldiers operating in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) environments, according to a news release from the Pendleton-based company.

Tetramer’s proprietary MOF bead technology provides dual functionality in protective fabrics, enabling both adsorption and on-contact decontamination of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), the news release said. This material is designed to provide advanced protection for soldiers in CBRN scenarios, reducing exposure risks and enhancing operational safety.

“This project represents a significant step forward in integrating cutting-edge materials into protective gear,” Heather Lange, principal investigator at Tetramer, said in the release. “Our MOF beads are capable of adsorbing and neutralizing CWAs and TICs on contact, offering a new level of defense for those operating in high-stakes environments. We are thrilled to collaborate with industry leaders to create fabrics that combine functionality, comfort and safety, addressing the complex needs of today’s warfighters.”

The project benefits from Tetramer’s partnership with Kappler Inc., a leader in protective suit manufacturing, the release stated. Kappler’s extensive experience in developing and manufacturing specialized protective apparel ensures that Tetramer’s MOF bead technology will be incorporated into low-burden, high-performance PPE that meets the rigorous demands of soldiers operating in CBRN environments.

In addition to Kappler, several key collaborators are contributing to the project. Advanced Functional Fabrics of America will provide guidance for fabric materials best suited for integration of Tetramer’s MOF bead technology. Chris Cole, Clemson University professor emerita in materials science and engineering and Clemson Textiles Lead, will lend expertise in textile evaluation and fabric design. Battelle will conduct agent testing to validate the performance of the protective fabrics under realistic threat conditions, the release said. Together, these partners strengthen the program’s foundation and ensure the transition of high-performance materials from laboratory innovation to field-ready protection.

“This award represents a critical step in advancing a technology that began as a concept at Tetramer over five years ago,” said Adam Haldeman, Tetramer’s vice president of research and development. “This support will allow us to transition it into field-ready prototype garments — delivering protection to the warfighter in the most demanding operational environments.”

Building on these opportunities, Michelle DiMaio, CEO of Tetramer Technologies, emphasized the broader impact.

“This OTA project marks an important starting point focused on enhancing military protective fabrics, but it’s just the beginning,” she said in the release. “We’re excited to pursue new opportunities and partnerships that will expand the use of this versatile material across a range of military and industrial applications.”

The company says the program represents more than an advancement in protective fabrics.

“It’s a demonstration of how Tetramer’s innovation pipeline delivers real-world solutions to national security challenges,” the release stated. “As MOF bead technology moves toward deployment, Tetramer remains committed to protecting those who serve and advancing high-performance materials from lab to battlefield.”