SCIENTISTS at Porton Down are developing a revolutionary 'second skin' to help protect British troops against chemical or biological weapons.

By subjecting materials to a process known as plasma polymerisation, staff at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory site have discovered a way of coating conventional protective clothing with an impenetrable plasma layer.

Stephen Coulson, of Dstl, said: "The ministry of defence wanted to find a way of creating an impenetrable coat for its nuclear, biological and chemical suits, to stop agents such as mustard gas and other liquid threats entering.

"They wanted something that not only adds an extra dimension of protection, but is also comfortable to the wearer.

"The plasma technology is the only way to provide a durable polymer coating to a fully constructed garment."

Unlike conventional protective clothing worn by soldiers, which is extremely bulky, the plasma coating can be used on normal fabrics, making it easier for soldiers to perform their duties.

But at the moment, the coating can only be added to individual components, as the plasma chambers are too small to accommodate full suits.

However, scientists at Dstl, the ministry of defence's centre of scientific excellence, are already carrying out tests with an American company that specialises in such facilities.

They have also been working to transfer the technology to civil applications, and plasma polymerisation already looks set to make an impact on the private sector.

Markets as diverse as sportswear, electronics, designer clothing and medical instruments could benefit from the polymerisation technique, as practically any material - wood, metal, glass, textiles and plastics - can be coated with the liquid.

Spilling a drink down an expensive silk shirt could no longer prove problematic, as plasma coating would prevent the stain from damaging the fabric.

Dr Coulson said: "Even the nightmare scenario of spilling a sugary drink on your computer will suddenly carry less weight.

"But only once the technology is scaled up will we fully realise its military and commercial potential."