Reducing the Weight and Volume of Peroxide-Based Decontaminant by using a Solid (Vice Liquid) Component for Hydrogen Peroxide

Several new generation chemical and biological (CB) decontaminants are based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) chemistry. These new decontaminants have many desirable characteristics, including reactivity toward a broad spectrum of CB agents and toxins, as well as being less corrosive and more environmentally friendly than conventional decontaminating materials. However, these systems are still liquid based and will require significant logistical support and resources to implement in the field. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide is reactive and temperature sensitive, so the peroxide content of formulated liquid-based systems will have to be replenished after several years. The logistics and stability issues associated with implementing hydrogen peroxide-based decontaminants create significant drivers to develop dry solid formulations that can be mixed in the field with available sources of water (including fresh water, salt water and non-potable water) to generate hydrogen peroxide. Assuming a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 8% by volume, conversion of these new decontamination systems to a solid format is estimated by the sponsoring agency to reduce the volume of decontaminant material that must be moved forward by 30-40%. Under the proposed effort, METSS will identify and characterize available sources of solid materials that can be used to formulate peroxide-based decontaminants. The evaluation will include primary peroxide generators as well as chemical additions and buffering materials known to enhance peroxide-based chemical destruction processes.