Colorimetric Sensors for End-of-Service-Life Indicators for Mask Filters

Physical Sciences, Inc. (PSI) has developed a novel method for the patterned deposition of a fiberized adhesive. This fiberized adhesive will be used to laminate conventional fabrics and electrospun chemical/biological warfare (CBW) agent barriermembranes, with minimal effect on fabric breathability. The fiberized adhesive deposition will be optimized for adhesive strength to the electrospun barrier membrane designed with a failure mode below the tear strength of the protective membrane. Thewide range of adhesives applicable to the proposed method will permit selection of an adhesive with a simple cure mechanism, mechanical properties matched to the garment, and vapor permeability. During the proposed Phase I effort, PSI will optimize thefabrication of a laminated protective clothing structure for drape, strength, permeability to moisture, lauderability, and adhesive cure. We will optimize the balance between cohesive and adhesive bond failure to minimize electrospun membrane tearingduring use. The Phase I effort will develop a new adhesive delivery technology and measure properties of the fabrics produced using it. The Phase II effort will design and build a continuous pilot scale line to fabricate the laminated fabricstructure.The PSI patterned fiberized adhesive application method may provide an extra degree of freedom for adhesive deposition and therefore find widespread use in select adhesive laminated products. Textile applications where breathability andabrasion resistance are important will benefit most by the PSI method. The recreation apparel market has a consistent need for the type of multi-layer, breathable textiles that the PSI method may provide.