SEDL / STP / STP1037-EB / STP22931S

The Selection and Measurement of Physical Properties for Characterization of Chemical Protective Clothing Materials

Schwope, AD
leaderstaff consultantSenior Engineerproject officer, Applied Polymer Science UnitArthur D. Little, Inc.Texas Research InstituteU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CambridgeAustinEdison, MATXNJ

Carroll, TR
leaderstaff consultantSenior Engineerproject officer, Applied Polymer Science UnitArthur D. Little, Inc.Texas Research InstituteU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CambridgeAustinEdison, MATXNJ

Stull, JO
leaderstaff consultantSenior Engineerproject officer, Applied Polymer Science UnitArthur D. Little, Inc.Texas Research InstituteU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CambridgeAustinEdison, MATXNJ

Royer, MD
leaderstaff consultantSenior Engineerproject officer, Applied Polymer Science UnitArthur D. Little, Inc.Texas Research InstituteU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CambridgeAustinEdison, MATXNJ

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1989

Download this paper for $25 PDF (208K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

Chemical protective clothing (CPC) must possess certain physical properties if it is to function as an effective barrier to chemicals. The physical characteristics of CPC materials has gone largely unstudied; most attention has been focussed on chemical resistance. Physical property tests have been surveyed for applicability to CPC fabrics, and those tests, which appeared to be most pertinent, were applied to ten fabrics. From statistical analysis of the results and the experience gained in performing the tests, a minimum battery of tests is recommended. The battery includes tests for puncture, puncture propagation tear, abrasion, and burst resistance and triboelectric charge accumulation. Further development of a cut test is recommended before it is added to the battery.