The application of synthesized transition metal compounds as paint additives for the preparation of a self-decontaminating coating

Abstract

The synthesis of transition metal compounds has been performed to create reactive additives that can be incorporated into commercial grade paints for the purpose of developing a continuous self-decontaminating coating. The coatings were designed to allow for the decontamination of persistent chemical warfare agents: sulfur mustard and organophosphate nerve agents. Since the persistence of these chemicals on surfaces due to their low volatility and long hydrolysis half lives could possibly lead to involuntary exposures, a continuous self-decontaminating coating would provide an alternative approach to eliminate residual chemical warfare agents without further treatment to the painted surface. The synthesized additives include metal oxide nanoparticles,polyoxometallates,andmetalfunctionalizedcyclodextrins. Coatings were formulated with 1% w/w synthesized additives, and tested for their ability to decontaminate chemical warfare agent simulants of sulfur mustard and organophosphate nerve agents. The Dawson structure polyoxometallate α2- K8P2W17O61(Ni2+ ∙OH2)∙17H2O coatings exhibited percent reductions of three of the four simulants above 30% with a high of 53% reduction of Malathion in 24 hours. The nickel functionalized gamma cyclodextrin coatings exhibited percent reductions for all simulants above 28% with a high of 61% reduction of Malathion in 24 hours. Overall, coatings enhanced with additives were tested and produced painted surfaces capable of decontaminating chemical warfare agent simulants.