Physicochemical Evaluations of Selected Solvents for Use in Decontaminating Agent: Multipurpose (DAM) Formulation.

摘要

A series of aprotic, polar solvents were evaluated as potential replacements for N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidinone currently used in Decontaminating Agent, Multipurpose (DAM) formulations. Out of nearly 40 solvents examined, only sulfolane and 3-methylsulfolane exhibited all the required properties. These two solvents (40/60 vol/vol) in admixture with 11 vol% water provided a low viscosity fluid with a -25 deg C melting point. On standing for 6 hr, the sulfolane-water-HTH formulation lost <6% of its oxidative strength. These two sulfolanes have very high boiling points and low (>O.l Torr) vapor pressure at 25 deg C. The available literature indicates that the sulfolanes have low toxicity. Sulfolane is a near solvent for the K-125 polymeric thickener, while 3-methylsulfolane is a good solvent. The K-125 polymer powder showed high swelling and agglomeration in an aqueous solution of 3-methylsulfolane (35 vol %). A very simple calorimeter was used to compare the rate of heat release (approx. rate of reaction) for three sulfolane-based formulations against the pyrrolidinone formulation. The reaction rate of the DAM formulation containing the mixed sulfolane solvent system was at least 50% faster. Decontaminating agent multipurpose, Oxidative stability, Sulfolane and 3-methylsulfolane, High test hypochlorite, 1 -substituted-2-pyrrolidinones, Solubility parameters.