Electro-Osmotic Water Vapor Transport Across Membranes

Electro-Osmotic Water Vapor Transport Across Membranes for Humidity Removal with Simultaneous Blocking of Hazardous Chemicals, for use in Soldier and Industrial Uniforms in Hazardous Environments

Electro-Osmotic-01 Revolutionary technology allowing for active transport (i.e. pushing-out) of water vapor from inside a garment to the external environment, to reduce humidity and increase comfort, while simultaneously blocking all hazardous liquids and vapors from entering the garment. Ideal for those heavily-suited-up soldiers working in a chemical warfare agent threat environment, or suited-up industrial workers working in a highly toxic environment.

Uses Smart, Functionalized, Conducting-Polymer (CP) Microporous Membranes.
Active transport of water vapor across the membrane (vs. passive, e.g. as in GORE-TEX® membranes). Accomplished with a small, applied DC voltage.
Membranes remove internal humidity while simultaneously protecting against hazardous substances such as toxic gases and chemical warfare agents (CWAs).
Successfully tested against actual (live) CWAs.
Use the electro-osmotic effect. First such demonstration of active, electro-osmotic, vapor transport.
Very high rate: 3,706.7 g-m²d^-1. Compare with the highest rates previously reported for passive membranes, 984.8 g-m²d^-1.
Very low power consumption: 0.15 W/m²; low voltages used, +/- 6 VDC.
Incorporated into soldier uniforms:

Efficient humidity expulsion from the inside of a uniform while simultaneously protecting against hazardous substances, thus providing much greater comfort while operating in chemically hazardous environments.
Extremely inexpensive.

DESCRIPTION

Uses Smart, Functionalized, Conducting-Polymer (CP) Microporous Membranes.
Active transport of water vapor across the membrane (vs. passive, as in GORE-TEX® membranes). Accomplished with a small, applied DC voltage.
Simultaneously protect against hazardous substances such as toxic gases and chemical warfare agents (CWAs).
Successfully tested against actual (live) CWAs, including GB (Sarin), HD, VX.
Uses the electro-osmotic effect. First such demonstration of active, electro-osmotic, vapor transport.
Very high rate: 3,706.7 g-m²d^-1. Compare with the highest rates previously reported for passive membranes, 984.8 g-m²d^-1. Tests performed at independent, external testing labs using methods including:

ASTM E96 B (Water Vapor Transport, WVT).
ASTM F2298 (Dynamic Moisture Permeation Cell, DMPC).
ASTM F1868 (Sweating Guard Hotplate, SGHP).

Incorporated into soldier uniforms.
Efficient humidity expulsion from the inside of a uniform while simultaneously protecting against hazardous substances, thus providing much greater comfort while operating in chemically hazardous environments.
Very low power consumption: 0.15 W/m²; low voltages used, +/- 6 VDC.
Use “smart” Controller to limit current densities to reduce power consumption to the lowest possible, prevent burnout and eliminate fire hazards. Use humidity and temperature sensors inside and outside garment. Run on rechargeable Li ion batteries.
Originally developed for the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).
Extremely inexpensive.

Click images to enlarge.

Conducting polymer/Au/microporous membrane

Membranes incorporated into pre-garment

View of full garment incorporating membranes, with electrical connections

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ENVIRONMENTAL DURABILITY

Membranes successfully passed the following tests:

ASTM D2261 (Tearing Strength of Fabrics);
ASTM D5034 (Breaking Strength of Textile Fabrics);
ASTM D3886 (Stoll Flat Abrasion Resistance);
ASTM F392 (“Gelbo Flex Test”).
Seaming: Testing of seams between the “pixels” in a garment.

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RELEVANT LITERATURE REFERENCES

Advances in Materials Physics and Chemistry, 2013, 3(4), 217-23. (August 2013). DOI: 10.4236/ampc.2013.34033 (downloadable pdf)

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AVAILABILITY AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Technology is currently under further development prior to operationalization. For inquiries and more information, please Contact Us.

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