High-strength nanomesh could protect against chemical weapons

Filed in archive Materials on September 1, 2006

Researchers at Texas Tech University have created a polyurethane nanofiber mesh that can not only trap toxic chemicals, but also be used in a hazardous material suit, says a Texas tech press release:

"These fibers are tiny," Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, an assistant professor at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech, 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." (photo Texas Tech)