Accession Number:

ADA279088

Title:

Physicochemical Evaluations of Selected Solvents for Use in Decontaminating Agent: Multipurpose (DAM) Formulation

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Feb 1992-Dec 1993

Corporate Author:

MIDWEST RESEARCH INST KANSAS CITY MO

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1994-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

107.0

Abstract:

A series of aprotic, polar solvents were evaluated as potential replacements for N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidinone currently used in Decontaminating Agent, Multipurpose DAM formulations. Out of nearly 40 solvents examined, only sulfolane and 3-methylsulfolane exhibited all the required properties. These two solvents 4060 volvol in admixture with 11 vol water provided a low viscosity fluid with a -25 deg C melting point. On standing for 6 hr, the sulfolane-water-HTH formulation lost 6 of its oxidative strength. These two sulfolanes have very high boiling points and low O.l Torr vapor pressure at 25 deg C. The available literature indicates that the sulfolanes have low toxicity. Sulfolane is a near solvent for the K-125 polymeric thickener, while 3-methylsulfolane is a good solvent. The K-125 polymer powder showed high swelling and agglomeration in an aqueous solution of 3-methylsulfolane 35 vol . A very simple calorimeter was used to compare the rate of heat release approx. rate of reaction for three sulfolane-based formulations against the pyrrolidinone formulation. The reaction rate of the DAM formulation containing the mixed sulfolane solvent system was at least 50 faster. Decontaminating agent multipurpose, Oxidative stability, Sulfolane and 3-methylsulfolane, High test hypochlorite, 1 -substituted-2-pyrrolidinones, Solubility parameters.

Descriptors:

Subject Categories:

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Solvents, Cleaners and Abrasives
  • Chemical, Biological and Radiological Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE


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