Highly Destructive Polymer-Contained Neutralizing Skin Protectants

Phase I will develop and test the feasibility of coated topical skin protecant additives using a new class of reactive metal alloys. These materials have already been demonstrated to destroy molecules containing hetero-atoms (P, S, 0, halogens) which includes nerve agents such as Sarin. The proprietary powder preparation process produces highly reactive substrates which have been proven in other studies to be an ideal environment for polymerization reactions. In this proposed research, a novel in situ polymerization process with these materials can be used to build a coating on the reactive substrates (e.g., Teflon). The final coated particles can then be used in topical skin creams. The coating of these materials with polymer barriers would validate the feasibility of their use in a broader class of other applications. Many of the products of this reaction are metal salts, which are generally benign, and the polymeric coating will provide a barrier of protection against skin irritation. This Phase I effort will develop the coating process and perform laboratory tests on mustard gas/nerve agent simulants in base creams. Phase II will optimize the formulation and scale up the production process. The development of protective skin creams for personnel routinely exposed to toxic materials (e.g. toxic chemicals, nerve agents, plant related toxins such as poison ivy, pesticides, and herbicides), would benefit both commercial and military users. These protectants would be extremely useful for chemical warfare environments, police riot control, and campers where exposure to poisonous plants and animals are possible. Deathly allergic persons could also use these topical substances to prevent reaction.