Treatment of melamine formaldehyde fibers for decontaminating biological and chemical warfare agents

Abstract

The demand for protection against biological and chemical warfare agents has increased the need for unique protective materials. N-halamines are superior candidates for this task by having rapid inactivation rates against a broad range of microorganisms and the ability to oxidize some pesticides and warfare agents to reduce their toxicity to humans. Thus, the design of N-halamine materials having fibrous structure, high halogen loading capacity with enhanced stability, and being relatively inexpensive is very important. This study investigated the effect of acid treatment on the chlorine loading and stability of a commercial flame retardant melamine formaldehyde (MF) fiber to introduce biocidal and detoxifying properties. The fibers formed into a web were treated with diluted sulfuric acid (H2SO4) under various conditions. The fiber webs were chlorinated with household bleach, and the stability of bound chlorine was investigated. The treated fabrics have been tested against a Gram-negative bacterium and a warfare stimulant.