Lightweight Multilayered Filter Material for NBC Protective Clothing
摘要
Chemical and biological agents have been threats to mankind since ancient times. Over the years, nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protective clothing has been used by tri-services for individual protection against chem-bio agents; however, some limitations in terms of weight, comfort properties, and limited biological protection are associated with this. To overcome these limitations, a lightweight, multilayered chemical and biological protective ensemble has been developed that can provide enhanced biological protection without compromising the chemical protection level. To develop this novel filter layer, activated carbon spheres (ACS), which have a high surface area and crushing strength, were used as a filter layer for chemical protection. In the case of biological protection, breathable nonwoven (Meltblown and Spunbond)-based five different configurations along with ACS-coated laminated fabrics were developed using breathable polyurethane adhesive. The developed different configurations were evaluated against various tests, including the Sulphur Mustard-Breakthrough Test (HD-BTT), Synthetic Blood Penetration Test, Water Vapour Resistance Test, Mandrel Test, Expulsion Test, and Inverted Expulsion Test for confirmation of the desired level of comfort and chemical protection level along with enhanced biological protection during the NBC scenario. This novel ACS-based lightweight filter layer will set a paradigm for the development of next-generation NBC protective clothing.