Residue-Free Decontamination Wipes With Reactive Nanoparticles

Military equipment requires rapid and thorough means of decontamination from chemical warfare agents (CWAs) so that it can return to safe and usable condition. Current decontaminants include powdered sorbents that leave residues that impair the performance of sensitive equipment such as optics and electronics. A decontamination wipe that leaves no residue is required. NanoScale® Corporation proposes development of decontaminant wipes in which its proprietary sorbent, NanoActive® TiO2, is contained within fabrics that do not release particulates. In this way the strong ability of NanoActive TiO2 to destructively adsorb CWAs can be utilized in a way that leaves no residue. In Phase I, NanoScale demonstrated the feasibility of its residue-free decontamination wipes. In Phase II, these wipes will be optimized for military use. Prototype decontamination wipes will be constructed using pilot-scale equipment, similar to full-scale manufacturing equipment but smaller. The prototype wipes will be tested with real CWAs for ability to decontaminate surfaces without damage to materials. NanoScale is a leader in first-response decontamination of CWAs and other toxic compounds. NanoActive TiO2 has demonstrated excellent capacity to permanently destroy CWAs, their simulants, and other hazardous materials. Midwest Research Institute has facilities and expertise for working with CWAs.