Protection Against Warfare Agents by Using Perm-selective Elastomeric Mesoporous Membranes

Recent experiences in the Gulf War have shown the need for chemical and biological protective gear having reduced associated physiological burden for combat personnel and decreased logistical requirements. The availability of lightweight, permeation-selective barrier membranes would constitute an advantage to military personnel by reducing the buildup of moisture within the suit. The development of elastomeric barrier materials would reduce the need for extensive stocks of protective ensembles to fit military personnel. To meet this need, American Research Corporation of Virginia suggests the modification of recently developed mesoporous materials providing up to 900m 2/g surface area-to-weight ratios to provide effective barriers to chemical and biological agents and incorporation of these materials within an elastomeric matrix. The proposal is innovative in combining a novel method of functionalizing mesoporous materials with a sorbent polymer modified elastomeric matrix. Phase I objectives include evaluation of polymeric materials suitable for use in modifying elastomeric polymers and mesoporous materials, fabrication of perm-selective composite membranes for G and H agent analogs and microbial materials, and test of coated membranes under laboratory conditions. The program is significant in developing barrier fabric materials to reduce the burden of warfighters in readiness for chemical or