This work focuses on determining physicochemical interactions that influence the resistance of materials to chemical contamination, specifically for the case of a liquid phase chemical warfare agent exposed to polymer composite materials. The degree and type of retention is a function of wetting behavior at the material surface as well as the propensity for penetration of the liquid phase into the bulk layers of the exposed material. Experimental work has been performed to study the interaction of a liquid chemical agent, specifically, HD (bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, distilled mustard blister agent), and its associated chemical simulants, with polyurethane-based thin films. The materials studied include polyurethane-based coatings, which can be treated as high solids loaded polymer composites. Optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic contact angle, and FTIR-ATR have been used to track how HD can become entrained in surface and near-surface capillary networks as well as transport into bulk polymer through molecular diffusion as a function of variations in polymer binder and solids loading in the composite. The understanding garnered from considering chemical retention not only informs next generation decontamination approaches but also the design of new coatings formulations that are tuned for chemical resistance, reduced decontamination burden, and mitigated hazard for warfighter personnel.

Roles of surface wetting and bulk diffusion in the contamination of polymer composite thin films by distilled mustard blister agent, HD

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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