August 28, 2006
Texas Tech Researchers Make Chemical Warfare Protective Nanofibers
While cotton may be the fabric of our lives, Texas Tech University researchers may have discovered a polyurethane nanofiber technique that can save lives.
Written by John Davis
Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, an assistant professor at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech, and graduate student Thandavamoorthy Subbiah recently discovered a honeycomb polyurethane nanofabric by using electrospinning. The nanofabric, created by exposing polyurethane to high voltage, can not only trap toxic chemicals, but also be used in a hazardous material suit.
Ramkumar’s findings are featured in the Sept. 5 edition of the Journal of Applied Polymer Science. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.
“These fibers are tiny,” Ramkumar said. “They’re about 1,000 times smaller than microfibers. We are able to develop honeycomb-like structures with this method, which makes a mesh within a mesh. This may not only provide increased surfaces area, but also can trap toxic chemicals more efficiently. These fibers are yet to be tested for their protection capabilities.”
Ramkumar and other researchers were able to observe self-assembled honeycomb nanomeshes that have not been reported before in the case of polyurethane nanofibers.
“This can be a very efficient filter against toxic chemicals, as well as a membrane for protecting people,” he said. “This will provide a significant boon to chemical protective clothing as well as a method to trap chemical warfare agents.”
The following images, taken with an electron microscope, show how polyurethane nanofibers can create a honeycomb formation when hit with a high-voltage manipulation technique called electrospinning.
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Related Links
The full article can be viewed at www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/112657386.
The Institute of Environmental and Human Health
WEAPON OF MASS PROTECTION
Saving lives with cotton and carbon.
Research Contacts:
Seshadri Ramkumar, assistant professor at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, (806) 885-0228.