Flexible Composite Membranes for Selective Permeability

This research effort focuses on the development of a novel composite membrane with multidimensional structural features and multifunctional capability. Two independently proven technologies are integrated creating a new membrane that can be engineered for selectively permeable performance to mutually facilitate water vapor transport and provide chemical agent resistance. Marrying the two technologies expands performance capabilities by allowing numerous variations in material selection for DuPonts microporous matrix, core and sheath polymers, and chemical functionalities that will provide a substrate for specialized features such as agent deactivation. ARLs nanostructured membrane is incorporated as the filler for the pores and has been investigated as both a post-process to the microporous membrane fabrication and as a fiber core polymer manufactured as a component of the microporous membrane. Our results have demonstrated that at least one formulation of ARLs nanostructured membrane exceeds the military threshold requirement against live chemical agents HD and GD according to Army test specification, and exhibits water vapor transport equivalent to the top commercial candidate alternative to the current JSLIST system.