THIN, STRIPPABLE COATINGS FOR WIDE-AREA TOXIC INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS NEUTRALIZATION

This proposal addresses the need for thin, strippable and fast drying coatings for decontaminating surfaces exposed to wide-area toxic industrial chemicals. The goal is to encapsulate and neutralize the hazardous agents by using a low cost film, which is peeled from the surface after drying. The technical approach entails the formulation and evaluation of high molecular weight emulsion polymers with very low peel strength and high cohesive strength. Reactive materials will be added to the dispersion to neutralize the chemical agents by electron transfer reactions. The efficiency of decontamination will be evaluated to determine feasibility of the concept. Peelability of the activated coatings from various surfaces found in building interiors and exteriors will be determined in Phase I in efforts to demonstrate the broad spectrum utility and economic advantages of the proposed technology. Phase II will involve the application and evaluation of the coatings on large areas in the laboratory in efforts to demonstrate commercial viability. If the project is successful, it will provide the Nation with a low-cost method for decontaminating chemical, biological and radiological materials resulting from an attack by terrorists.