APPLICATION OF THE THIN LAYERED ACTIVATED CHARCOAL SORPTION MATERIALS IN PERSONAL NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT

Radovan Karkalić

Abstract
The object of the research was characterization of devices for nuclear, chemical and biological protection - textile materials and thin layered sorption materials covered with active charcoal embedded into the chemical protective clothing, based upon their protective characteristics and physiologic compliance.

As a comparative research data OFZ-M1 and ОFZ-М00 are used, which are adopted in the Serbian Army equipment as well as two models that are still being developed: OFZ-M2 and OFZ-M2PUP. The characterization of the materials and NBC protective overgarment was advocated by the actual methodology.

When tested for air penetration and vapour permeability and compared to standard military uniform, it was concluded that all ОFZ models have better air permeability than basic parts of the uniform (jacket and trousers). ОFZ-М00 presented the greatest air permeability whereas ОFZ-М2, ОFZ-М2PUP and ОFZ-М1 followed.

Testings of protective characteristics to benzene resulted in penetration curves and dynamic parameters. The testing also involved three materials produced in Germany: Helsasafe 2084, Safeguard 3002 and BCHstg. ОFZ-M00 performed far better than German-made materials and ОFZ-М2, ОFZ-М2PUP and ОFZ-М1. Testing of the protective characteristics against high toxic chemicals reaffirmed the results acquired during the testing on protection against benzene. The sandwich-material ОFZ-M00 presented longer period of protection when compared to OFZ-М2, ОFZ-М2PUP and ОFZ-М1.

During laboratory testing of OFZ’s physiologic eligibility, which was conducted on humane subjects placed in the climate chamber, the anthropologic and ergometric indicators were determined. By testing thermoregulatory characteristics of humane subjects their characterization through physiologic parameters was determined (body and tympanic temperature, heart frequency and sweating intensity). In overall conclusion, ОFZ-М00 was physiologically the most suitable. The field testing proved the same rang of ОFZ as in laboratory circumstances. By applying IKOR method, for multicriteria optimization of the research data, it was found that ОFZ-М00 presented the best functional characteristics and physiologic eligibility whereas ОFZ-М2, ОFZ-М2PUP and ОFZ-М1 followed.

Key words: NCB protection, personal protection, protective clothing, textile material, thin layered material, charcoal material, filtrating, physiological effects, benzene, s-mustard gas.