Hybrid Class 3 Breathable Barrier Materials

Chemical and biological warfare agents and other weapons of mass destruction are a critical threat to American soldiers and civilians. In order to meet this threat, our military personnel must be capable of sustained, safe, and effective operation in the presence of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents. Currently available chemical protective items and clothing are commonly made of polymers which contain the element fluorine. Recently, concerns have been raised about the possible health and environmental impacts of these fluorinated materials. However, few, if any, alternative materials demonstrate the same range of thermomechanical, permeation, and chemical resistance properties that fluorinated polymers provide. Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. (TRI Austin) proposes the continued study of hybrid polymers found to demonstrate a variety of advantageous properties. These materials will be further tuned to provide the thermomechanical, permeation resistance, and breathability required to replace current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1994 Class 3 approved fluorinated materials. The new barrier materials will be like the current ones in terms of form and function and will offer similar or improved properties in the absence of fluorine.