Development of Cotton Nonwoven Composite Fabric for Toxic Chemical Decontamination and Characterization of its Adsorption Capabilities

Abstract

Because of the current threat of toxic chemicals and chemical warfare agents, personal protection is important for soldiers and first responders, as well as the civilian population. This paper describes the development of a cotton non-particulate nonwoven composite fabric and the evaluation of its adsorption capability for protection against toxic chemical ingress which can be harmful or lethal. In addition, this paper focuses on the evaluation of toxic chemical adsorption capabilities of various chemical protective substrates that have the potential to be used in military applications. The development of a three-layered cotton based decontamination wipe and its adsorption of 0.1 % w/v pinacolyl methylphosphonate in butanol, is presented. Adsorption is quantified using a modified gravimetric procedure developed using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results demonstrate the adsorption performance of a new cotton-based, non-particulate flexible composite that has a high potential to be used as a portable decontamination wipe. This research is unique in the area of individual protection and addresses the requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for seeking and evaluating highly efficient, non-particulate, and skin-friendly materials that provide necessary chemical protection while minimizing any discomfort or irritation.