Sulphur mustard induced changes in surface relief features, mechanical and barrier properties of elastomer membranes

Influence of sulphur mustard (SM), a chemical warfare agent, and its oxygen analogue (OA), on surface relief features, mechanical properties and protection afforded by elastomeric membranes was investigated. The objective of the study was to assess the SM induced deterioration in the performance of the protective barrier against chemical hazard. Strain at break increases after exposure to SM in the elastomers studied, possibly due to plasticization. SM also induces microcracks in nitrile rubber (NBR) and natural rubber (PI) besides causing leaching of the compounding ingredients in the latter. This results in lowering of breakthrough time (BTT) of the permeant SM and hence a drop in the protection afforded by the elastomer membrane. Decontamination of the membrane using bleaching powder and boiling water for two hours helps in approaching the initial BTT value. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.