Accession Number:

ADA355317

Title:

Measurement of Water Vapor Diffusion Through Laminated Fabrics and Membranes Using a Diode Laser Spectroscope

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Nov 97-Feb 98

Corporate Author:

ARMY NATICK RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING CENTER MA

Personal Author(s):

• Gibson, Phillip
• Rivin, Donald
• Berezin, Andrey
• Nadezhdinskii, Alexander

Report Date:

1998-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

27.0

Abstract:

A spectroscopic system based on vapor phase absorption of infrared radiation produced by a diode laser is shown to be useful for measuring water vapor diffusion rates through materials in sheet form. Measurements of water vapor diffusion through four polymer membranes and membrane laminates showed an excellent correlation with an existing water vapor transport apparatus that uses hygroscopic polymer film capacitance sensors. The diode laser spectrometer eliminates sorption hysteresis artifacts present in the capacitance sensors.

Descriptors:

• *PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
• PERMEABILITY
• SPECTROSCOPY
• MASS TRANSFER
• MEMBRANES
• DIFFUSION
• SORPTION
• WATER VAPOR
• DIODE LASERS

Subject Categories:

• Test Facilities, Equipment and Methods
• Protective Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE