MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PROTECTIVE FIBER AND METHODS FOR USE

摘要

A reactive and adsorptive (i.e., protective) fiber, a mufti-element protecti ve filter and methods for constructing and using same which possess at least chemically reactive and biocidal properties. Nanoparticles from different classes such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal hydrates and POMs are incorporated into elements which can be utilized in a wide variety of protective materials. The nanoparticles may be treated to reduce water solubility or combined with halogens, alkali metals or secondary metal oxide s to specifically engineer the nanoparticle to address a particular chemical o r biocidal threat. When arranged upstream of an activated carbon filter, the nanoparticles provide enhanced adsorption or additional reactive properties to the protective filter. When used with carbon specially treated with metal ions, the protective filter retains the ability to adsorb blood agents as well. Significant advances in nanoparticle technology are described wherein clusters made from about 1nm to about 200nm sized nanoparticles are reduced to tangible filter element precursors.