Development of Self-Decontaminating Textiles With Microporous Membranes
Abstract
Recently a number of compounds have been synthesized that can catalytically break down chemical warfare agents including G-type agents, VX and mustard. These compounds, including enzymes and polyoxometalates display significant level of hydrolytic and/or oxidative activity against a wide spectrum of chemical warfare agents. Multispectral protection could be achieved if appropriate catalysts were combined into a clothing system. However, these compounds have been difficult to incorporate into textiles for use in self-decontaminating chemical protective clothing, as their reactivity is severely impacted by the method of attachment onto and into fabrics. We now report a breakthrough in the technology of fiber spinning that has enabled us for the first time to incorporate these catalysts directly into microporous membranes. The new microporous membranes have been developed at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center using the process of electrospinning. By electrostatically producing nanofibers from polymer/solvent spinning solutions at room temperature through the application of a high voltage electric field, we have demonstrated increased activity of the original catalyst alone in solution by incorporating the same catalysts in the nanofibers of these new membranes. Activities of enzymes, derivatized enzymes and inorganic catalysts are discussed. Durability of the catalyst with respect to daily use conditions is considered. Manufacturability of these new reactive membranes will be forecast.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA436086
Entities
People
- Craig L Hill
- Francis Hoskin
- Heidi Schreuder-gibson
- John K. Walker
- Ray Yin
- Tu-chen Cheng
- Walter Yeomans
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center