Chemical Wide-Area Decontamination, 3: Barrier Polymers for Contamination Mitigation
Abstract
A wide-area decontaminant is needed to rapidly respond to and recover from potential chemical warfare agent release on exterior surfaces at transportation terminals and facilities such as runways and docks at airports and seaports. A novel hazard mitigation strategy was explored whereby water-based barrier polymers encapsulate the contamination and reduce the vapor and contact risks. An initial selection of widely available polymers was made, and polymer properties such as cure time and film thickness were measured on asphalt and concrete substrates. Fourier-transform infrared permeation measurements were attempted using a simulant, and approximate breakthrough curves were attained for each polymer. Efficacy at reducing the contact hazard of bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulfide and O-ethyl-S-(2-diisoproylaminoethyl) methyl phosphonothiolate (HD and VX, respectively) on concrete and asphalt was analyzed directly. After efficacy analysis, a cursory logistics analysis was performed to compare cost, storage, application, safety, and environmental profiles associated with use of each polymer. A list of polymers for further study is provided.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1222026
Entities
People
- Craig S. Schenning
- Janlyn H. Eikenberg
- Jill L. Ruth
- Joseph P. Myers
- Kevin M. Morrissey
- Michael J. Chesebrough
- Neil A. Hawbaker
- Stefanie Q. Smallwood
- Thomas P. Pearl
Organizations
- Leidos