Breathable, Stimuli-Responsive, and Self-Sealing Chemical Barrier Material Based on Selectively Superabsorbing Polymer

Abstract

The occasional use of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) by rogue states in current conflicts provides a reminder that these hazards are a real threat. Although hazmat suits made of fully impermeable barrier materials provide an effective means of protecting against CWAs, they also inhibit evaporative cooling which can cause rapid hyperthermia. This conundrum has motivated a search for novel materials that allow water vapor but not CWA permeation. Here we show that, at least for aerosolized CWA, this can also be achieved using a highly breathable composite fabric that self-seals only when exposed to target chemicals. Our approach is based on the use of selectively superabsorbing polymer (SAP) microbeads that are dispersed on a highly breathable fabric. Many CWAs, especially nerve and blistering agents, have low vapor pressure and can only be dispersed as a “fog” from aerosolization. We show that upon contact with an example organic aerosol (o-xylene) the proposed SAP microbeads dispersed on a nylon mesh swell highly, seal pores, and inhibit passage of the microdroplets. In contrast, in normal conditions the SAP microbeads do not absorb or swell upon contact with water and provide over 10 kg m–2 day–1 water permeation rate that is comparable to a cotton shirt.

Optimization of the fabrication of amidoxime modified PIM-1 electrospun fibres for use as breathable and reactive materials

“…Moreover, as physical adsorption is reversible, it may result in re-emission of CWA. An alternative to these materials is to develop reactive breathable materials (Bui, et al, 2016) (Chuang, Hong, & Chang CT, 2014) (Vanangamudi, Hamzah, & Singh, 2015) (Satilmis & Uyar, 2018) (Manning, Kotagama, Burgin, & Rykaczewski, 2020) which can adsorb and destroy TICS and CWAs. Incorporating nucleophile groups onto the surface of the material will enable a chemical response to CWA attack based on hydrolytic degradation.…”

Review of Waterproof Breathable Membranes: Preparation, Performance and Applications in the Textile Field

“…Then, hydrophobic microporous membranes, represented by PTFE membranes (such as Gore-Tex) [102], are constructed to act as a filter to block pollutants. A major breakthrough in WBM fabrics is the development of self-sealing fabrics [103], which can solve the problem of reduced waterproofness and breathable performance caused by internal WBM damage after sewing on coats, tents, etc.…”

A review on emerging developments in thermal and moisture management by membrane‐based clothing systems towards personal comfort

“…Breathable self‐sealing composite fabric containing dispersed microparticles of a selectively super absorbing polymer (SAP) can defend against aerosolized nerve and blistering CWAs. In normal conditions, the SAP microparticles dispersed on a nylon mesh provide WVTR over 10 kg m −2 day −1 while upon contact with fog from CWA aerosolization, permeation of CWA micro‐droplets is prohibited due to swelling of microparticles, which leads to pores sealing 238 . It was reported that loading polyelectrolyte membranes (Nafion 117 and Nexar MD9200) with ZnO NPs significantly reduces dimethyl methyl phosphonate (a nerve agent simulant) permeation 239 …”