Highly Absorptive Nanostructured Chemical Wipe

Wipe sampling provides a convenient method for determining if a surface is contaminated by chemical warfare agents (CWAs). In wipe sampling, a pad is wetted with solvent and wiped over the surface of interest. The pad is then extracted and the extract is analyzed for the presence of the contaminant. Many of the surfaces that are sampled in an emergency response, cleanup or clearance scenario are porous or absorptive. The removal of low-volatility chemicals by wipes from these surfaces is significantly more challenging than from hard, non-absorptive surfaces. We propose to develop a chemical wipe that removes significantly more contaminant from porous surfaces than is removed by currently available wipes. The new wipes will have structures that provide increased capillary action, absorptive capacity and the ability to penetrate into surface pores. In the Phase 1, we will fabricate wipes and rigorously measure their ability to wipe-sample a nerve agent stimulant from concrete and painted wallboard. The results will be compared to those obtained using standard cotton wipes. In the Phase II, we will optimize the wipe fabrication and perform extensive wipe-sampling evaluation using a wider range of surfaces and contaminants. The initial market for the wipes will be for the detection of CWA residue. However, the wipe pads will also be of significant value in other industries such as environmental monitoring, industrial hygiene, and security, as well as having use in the household markets. The technology will also likely have applications in protective fabrics and decontamination materials.