Evaluation of the Resistance of a Chlorinated Polyethylene Protective Garment Material to Permeation and Degradation by Liquid Chemicals

摘要

The objectives of the project was to investigate existing permeation and degradation resistance data for chlorinated polyethylene (CPE); to develop a laboratory test plan consistent with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Test Methods F739-81 and D471-79 regarding permeation, solubility, swelling, and degradation of CPE fabric by test chemicals; and to obtain laboratory test data for chemical and CPE combinations of interest for which only limited or questionable permeation and degradation resistance data exist. Ten liquid chemicals (acetic acid, acetic anhydride, acetone, bis(2-chloroethyl)ether, carbon tetrachloride, ethylene diamine, isopropyl alcohol, N-nitrosodimethylamine, phenol, and o-xylene) were tested to determine permeation rates, breakthrough times, and swelling when contacted with 20 mil thick CPE. Mean permeation breakthrough times ranged from 15 minutes to over 8 hours.