Technical and Associated R&D Laboratory/Project Support to AFRL/RXQL Airbase Sciences Branch.

摘要

ARA supported three RXQL technical programs. Chemical Dynamics: measurements and modeling of large atmospheric releases of chlorine and of ammonia across samples of several soil types; measurements of adsorption of two chemical agent surrogates (dimethyl methylphosphonate and diisopropyl fluorophosphate) on cellulose and silica gel surfaces by inverse gas chromatography, to infer enthalpies of adsorption. Reactive Materials: assembly of textile application apparatus to microwave-cure surface treatments on textiles; development of water-based formulations for surface treatments, application to a variety of materials; identification of polyphenolic biocides active against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, development of laundry-stable process for attaching the biocides to textiles/other surfaces; preparation and testing of highly repellent aircraft topcoats, including agent tests at a surety laboratory; effort to decontaminate aircraft coatings with microwave power from radar systems; concept realized at small scale inside microwave reactor, but initial tests with aircraft radar system failed. Toxic/Pathogenic Bioaerosols: experimental demonstration that biological particles interact with filters the same as inerts of the same size and density, development of protocols for preparation and analysis of anthrax spore surrogates, design and construction of a chamber to achieve reproducible dispersion of individual spores onto surfaces, and a cleaning study in support of respirator reuse during crises.