1. Scope
1.1. This test method provides specific procedures to measure the effectiveness of protective clothing materials that incorporate reactive technologies to self decontaminate when exposed to specific chemicals. 1.1.1 A number of specific procedures are included in this test method to evaluate different types of chemicals and material reactive technologies considered to be of interest. 1.1.2 This test method further provides guidance on the establishment of procedures for evaluating chemicals that are not covered by this test method. 1.2 This test method also permits the evaluation of resistance of specific protective clothing materials that incorporate reactive technologies to permeation by specific chemicals.
A number of new technologies have been developed for materials that prevent the permeation of hazardous chemicals using reactive technologies. These reactive technologies may take a variety of different forms, where chemical permeating into a material reacts with specific substances that have been added to the fabric or other matrix as part of the protective clothing. As a result of the reaction of specific chemicals with the reactive substances, the challenge chemical is either neutralized or broken down into other substances that are significantly less hazardous. Conventional permeation testing per Test Method F739 does not always work correctly for a number of reasons: (1) the usual challenge technique of surface saturation may disturb the reactive chemistry provided in the material, (2) the reactive technology must be applied in a manner that is not allowed by the design of permeation cell, and (3) the collection approach and analytical system does not discriminate between permeating chemical and reactive by-products (daughter products). Moreover, the effectiveness of specific reactive chemistries often target specific chemicals or groups of chemicals. Techniques for evaluating the efficacy of reactive materials in providing decontamination and a barrier to permeation by chemicals must be undertaken on a chemical-by-chemical basis.
Keywords
Challenge chemical, daughter product, matrix contamination, protective clothing, protective clothing material, reactive technology, surface contamination, and surface decontamination
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
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