Evaluation of airliner cabin textile materials after vapour phase hydrogen peroxide decontamination

Abstract

Decontamination of airliner cabins may be required, for example, in the event of an epidemic or pandemic. To be performed safely, decontamination must be compatible with aircraft materials and systems. This paper examines the suitability, with respect to cabin textiles, of vapour phase hydrogen peroxide for airliner decontamination applications. The effect of vapour phase and liquid hydrogen peroxide on common airliner interior textile materials, namely wool, nylon, polyester, and Nomex, has been studied by examining the physical and chemical changes and the resulting effect on mechanical properties caused by decontamination. The physical changes induced by the sorption of moisture had an effect on the mechanical properties of all of the materials examined. However, only wool attacked chemically by hydrogen peroxide experience a significant effect on its mechanical properties.

Effect of vapour phase hydrogen peroxide, as a decontaminant for civil aviation applications, on microstructure, tensile properties and corrosion resistance of 2024 and 7075 age hardenable aluminium alloys and 304 austenitic stainless steel

“…However, the absence of detectable residual peroxide might simply reflect efficient postexposure aeration, as in other work by the authors on porous textile samples, evidence of significant residual peroxide was encountered. 20 Almost no weight change was observed for the VHP exposure of the 304 stainless steel; a very small (mean ,0?01%) weight loss observed after 168 h dip testing is below the reliable measurement limit for the balance employed. Surface profilometry was performed to determine if either VHP exposure or more likely, dissolution during dip testing, would have a significant effect on surface roughness.…”

Disinfection efficiency of positive pressure respiratory protective hood using fumigation sterilization cabinet

“…Hydrogen peroxide decontamination systems are widely used to reduce the risk of infection in hospitals, biosafety laboratories, and so on [10,11]. Chou et al demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide had no effect on the mechanical properties of nylon, polyester, and Nomex [12].…”

Hydrogen embrittlement of 4340 steel due to condensation during vaporized hydrogen peroxide treatment

“…The tensile strength and the elongation to failure of leather were severely degraded (∼50% loss) by exposure to 450 ppm vaporized hydrogen peroxide. The tensile strength and the elongation to failure of Nomex ® were unchanged by exposure to 450 ppm vaporized hydrogen peroxide [13,14].…”