Composite Material Effective Against Toxic Nerve Cells

Scientists have combined a nanomaterial effective at destroying toxic nerve agents with textile fibers. This new composite material can be applied to protective clothing and masks for use in hazardous situations such as chemical warfare. The material, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework, can break down the most toxic chemical agents, including VX and soman (GD), which are related to sarin, within minutes. Omar Farha, chemistry professor at Northwestern University's Weinberg School of Arts and Sciences, who conducted the research, stated: "With the right chemistry we can render toxic gases harmless. All processes take place at the nano scale." The new composite material integrates MOFs and non-volatile polymeric bases into textile fibers. This material can withstand degrading conditions such as atmospheric carbon dioxide, perspiration and contaminants for extended periods. Source: https://www.materialstoday.com/