Adsorbent Carbon Fabrics : New Generation Armour for Toxic Chemicals

Abstract

Activated carbon in the form of a regular fabric obtained using viscbse rayon precursot is a new generation adsorbent material having superior sorptional properties and is finding varied defence applications. CarbQnisation and activation mechanisms and properties and applications of adsorbent carborl fib~s, made from viscose rayon precursor are reviewed in this paper. j activated carbon having superior adsorption potential has gone on unabated since the first application of carbon in canisterS in the First World War. Activated carbons derived from coconut shell, wood and coal are well-known and so are the advantages and disadvantages associated with them.. Activated carbon derived by carbonisation and activation of viscose rayon fabric (Figs 1 and 2) is the latest addition to the above list. The full poltcntial of this adsorbent carbon fabric has not yet been realised, but this form of,carbon has begun to replace traditional carbon in devices. like face let masks. In this review, an attempt has been made to I.

Advances and applications of chemical protective clothing system

“…The manufacturing technique of charcoal fibre intended for chemical protection includes development of amorphous carbon through pyrolysis of carbonaceous raw materials at about 1000℃, followed by carbonization below 800℃ in an inert atmosphere, along with chemical activation of the carbonized product between 950 and 1000℃ [54]. The production of activated carbon fibre embraces various organic precursors such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN), poly (vinylidene chloride) (PVDC), phenolic resin textiles as well as cellulose acetate and rayon fibres [58,59]. However, rayon-based charcoal fibre is still employed in current chemical barrier clothing materials though fibres from other precursors are easier to prepare as well as economically viable.…”

“…Moreover, the use of activated carbon in the protective mask might affect user inhalation due to absorption of oxygen from the environment by moist-activated carbon [4]. The adsorption ability of the activated carbon is selective, only nerve and mustard agents are adsorbed; therefore, various additive coatings are usually required for the adsorption of toxic chemicals as well as dynamic detoxification of the chemicals adsorbed on the fibres [59,63].…”

Activated Carbon Fabric: An Adsorbent Material for Chemical Protective Clothing

“…Powder, granular, spherical and fiber or fabric forms are the different variant of the AC. ACs are used in various fields such as removal of heavy metals and toxic gases, biomedical application, catalysis, natural and biogas storage [1][2][3][4] . Recently, activated carbon fibers (ACFs) or fabrics have gained increased attention of scientific community over the traditional adsorbents owing to their excellent adsorption potential.…”

Development of Cotton Nonwoven Composite Fabric for Toxic Chemical Decontamination and Characterization of its Adsorption Capabilities

“…A recent report by Wilusz, discusses the importance of Chemical/Biological (CB) protective suit material that preferentially contain activated carbon trapping any toxic vapors that may by-pass the membrane layer of a protective suit [18]. Also, Gurudatt et al have recommended the use of activated carbon based fabric materials in the next generation armor for toxic chemicals [12]. Sawhney et.…”

“…In the case of military applications, adsorption of the toxic chemical vapors on the fabric structure is one of the fundamental and essential mechanisms for a chemically protective fabric [11]. Many protective military devices, such as antigas canisters and materials used in suits, gloves, and socks, that provide protection against hazardous CW agents, incorporate activated carbon particles within their structure [12]. Granular activated carbons (GACs) have long been used for removing pollutant vapors and other toxic gases from both indoor and outdoor environments.…”