A broad-spectrum reactive nanocomposite gel coating to sequester chemical warfare agents

Chemical warfare agents, such as nerve and mustard agents, pose serious threats to our soldiers and civilians. An efficient barrier coating which can sequester and deactivate chemical agents is urgently needed. We propose a broad spectrum responsive nanocomposite gel coating that can irreversibly sequester and deactivate a variety of chemical agents. Our base material is a fast curing gel modified with functional groups and ions. Nanoparticles are added to tailor the reactivity and mechanical properties of the gel coating. The basic gel system will deactivate mustard agents rapidly. The functional groups will capture phosphorus-based nerve agents efficiently. The ions will accelerate the reaction against nerve agents, such as VX. A colorimetric functional group will indicate the location of contamination within the coating after deactivation. We have demonstrated that the basic gel composites form peelable gel coatings and sequester phosphorus and sulfur-containing compounds with high capture capacity. Preliminary test of the gels against 4 chemical simulants show that the gel can sequester simulants at surface loadings>12 g/m2 with at least 95% capture efficiency. We will optimize the formulation to improve mechanical strength and capture efficiency. Testing against live agents (e.g. HD and VX) will be carried out in collaboration with Dr. Harry Salem at the Army Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC).