A Novel Composite Elastomeric Material for CBW Agents

We are proposing a triple defense system in a single compounded thin elastomeric material, to provide both physical permeation barrier as well as chemical and biological deactivation barrier without sacrificing the elastomeric properties of the proposed elastomers. The initial physical barrier is an alloyed ethylene-vinylalcohol ultrathin layer protected by the elastomer (better PVA coploymers will be synthesized in phase II). Selected metal oxides and silver/silver oxide of high area, submicron sized particles will be dispersed on fillers such as ultrafine talc or carbon blacks. (Talc is preferred). The silver is expected to be extremely active to ward the labile halogens of the agents and metal oxides have a deactivating effect. The talc and some of its surface bound to dendrimeric or branched polyethylene glycols allow moisture permitting molecular channels due to their layered structure while blocking permeation of agents that escape through the physical/chemical barrier. Two types of high elongation elastomers have been identified for demonstrating the feasibility of the approach as they allow incorporation fillers and polymers and are quite compatible with the proposed additives (based on our experience). A statistical experimental design is presented to examine the influence of the variables and correlate the efficacy toward chemical protection and organophobicity of the