Abstract: An active carbon material includes a gas permeable surface coating of particulate hydrophobic material which renders the active carbon waterproof while still permitting it to adsorb undesirable components. Preferably the hydrophobic material is polytetrafluoroethylene having a mean particle size of substantially a tenth of a micron. Active carbon is waterproofed by immersing it in an aqueous suspension of the hydrophobic material and then drying the active carbon to remove the water to leave the particulate coating of hydrophobic material on the outer surface of the active carbon.

Abstract: A wound dressing which comprises, in order,(1) a first layer of a permeable material;(2) a layer of a semi-permeable, adhesive material;(3) a charcoal cloth or felt; and(4) a second layer of a permeable material;in which the three said layers are substantially co-extensive and surround the charcoal cloth or felt, whereby the first layer of permeable material is bound to the cloth or felt and, around the cloth or felt, to the second layer of permeable material.

Abstract: An activated carbon product such as a charcoal cloth or felt has, in addition to any activating material, a metal uniformly dispersed therein. The metal may be catalytic or bactericidal, and a particularly preferred product of the invention contains silver and is suitable for use as a surgical dressing. Such products can be produced by a conventional activation procedure using a mixture of halides, even if the further metal halide is substantially insoluble in the impregnation solution used for activation, by incorporating in the solution ammonia and a sequestering agent such as citric acid.

Abstract: An activated carbon product such as a charcoal cloth or felt has, in addition to any activating material, a metal uniformly dispersed therein. The metal may be catalytic or bactericidal, and a particularly preferred product of the invention contains silver and is suitable for use as a surgical dressing. Such products can be produced by a conventional activation procedure using a mixture of halides, even if the further metal halide is substantially insoluble in the impregnation solution used for activation, by incorporating in the solution ammonia and a sequestering agent such as citric acid.