Novel Nanocomposite Structures as Active and Passive Barrier Materials

摘要

A highly breathable barrier film was developed during the course of this ARO-funded project. The development of a novel polymer material based on a diol-functionalized room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) monomer led to fabrication of membranes, which were tested for their ability to transport water and the CWA stimulant CEES, both in the vapor phase. The neat diol-RTIL polymer was highly breathable with respect to water vapor but also allowed CEES vapor to penetrate. By incorporating amines and zeolites to make composite materials, the resulting membranes effectively blocked CEES while still transporting water at a flux rate above DoD specifications. We are continuing aspects of this work with partial support from a separate DTRA grant. We are currently optimizing the membrane performance and working to determine the mechanism of CEES blockage.