REACTIVITY OF VARIOUS DAMAGE CONTROL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING MATERIALS WITH CHLORINE TRIFLUORIDE
Abstract
Chlorine trifluoride (CTF) has been proposed for use in an improved missile propellant system. Since this is a stronger oxidizer than any used heretofore, it was desirable to examine its effect on materials used, or proposed for use, in making protective clothing and other gear for damage control. Neoprene and Armalon (woven polytetrafluoroethylene laminated with a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylenepropylene) showed promise as materials for the construction of protective coveralls. It was also shown that these materials must be kept free of local contamination with substances easily ignited by CTF, such as oil and grease, since, once ignited, the uncontaminated portion may continue to burn, even in dilute CTF vapor. The Armalon showed greater resistance to CTF over a wider range of concentration than the neoprene. Butyl rubber coated cloth and vinyl coated glass cloth were readily ignited by dilute CTF vapor, and they appear unsuitable for protective clothing. Hydrazoid propellant fuels were ignited by CTF vapor in concentrations as low as 1-1/2 percent by volume. Samples of the materials used in the construction of the Navy OBA (oxygen breathing apparatus) were found to be reactive with CTF, hence, the OBA must be worn inside a gas-tight protective coverall.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0646062
Entities
People
- H. E. Moran
- James C. Burnett
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory