A Rocket Propellant Handler's Suit for Protection from Chlorine Trifluoride and Elemental Fluorine

摘要

Extremely powerful and highly toxic oxidizers such as fluorine (F2) and chlorine trifluoride (ClF3) are currently being studied at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. A prototype propellant handler's suit for protection against gaseous fluorine and liquid chlorine trifluoride has been developed and operationally tested. The exposed components of this garment are made of perfluoropolymers and stainless steel. The complete suit and sample components were exposed to both gaseous fluorine and liquid chlorine trifluoride. The suit reacted with liquid chlorine trifluoride and therefore failed to pass the operational test. (Author)