Design & Characterization of Laminated Activated Carbon Fabric for Critical Military Applications

Abstract

Activated carbon is known to be a potential adsorbent for different adsorptional applications due to large surface area and internal porosity. Presently, activated carbon in fabric form i.e. activated carbon fabric (ACF) and laminated activated carbon fabric (LACF) therefrom is being used as an essential component in military chemical protective clothing. LACF is primarily responsible for adsorption of potential chemical warfare agent during combat operations. We, report here preparation of Activated Carbon Fabric (ACF) and LACF from a commercially available rayon based carbon fabric through a process of treatment of carbon fabric in CO₂ atmosphere. The prepared ACF was assessed for Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurement, internal porosity, pore size distribution, average pore diameter and adsorption isotherm. Further, LACF was prepared by laminating ACF with suitable textile materials on both sides to enhance the physical and functional characteristics. Functional properties of LACF were assessed for chemical endurance by measuring di-chloro-propane break through time (DCP-BTT), sulfur mustard break through time (HD-BTT), air permeability and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR). Similarly, physical properties viz; mass, thickness, bending length, flexural rigidity, peel strength and tensile strength/bursting strength were also studied. Durability of LACF was also assessed by evaluating physical and functional properties before and after six wash cycles. The findings in our study reveal that this type of material may find many usages in critical military clothing like chemical protective suit, facelet mask and breathable gloves for protection of military personnel’s in chemical warfare environment.