Abstract: The present invention relates to single thread composite fibers comprising at least one binder and at least one active catalyst for the capture and degradation of chemical threats such as chemical warfare agents (CWA), biological warfare agents, and toxic industrial chemicals (TIC) and a method for producing the same. The invention fibers are applicable to the fields of protective garments, filtration materials, and decontamination materials.

Abstract: A fan includes a motor adapted to be rotated about an axis and a hub adapted to be rotated by the motor. The hub may include first and second hub parts adapted to mate to form the hub, the first and second hub parts having a gap therebetween. A plurality of fan blades each includes an end portion located in the gap formed between the first and second hub parts, which may be drawn together by a fastener to capture the blades therebetween. One or more of the fan blades may include a receiver, such as an open-ended groove, for receiving a portion of the hub. An adapter may be configured to remain stationary during use while the hub and fan blades rotate, and a portion of the hub is adapted to be selectively deployed to engage the adapter to prevent rotation of the hub. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite material is provided comprising a porous polymeric matrix having metal-organic framework (MOF) domains dispersed within the porous polymeric matrix, each of said MOF domains in fluid communication with the external environment through the pores in the porous polymeric matrix. A process of using the composite material to chemically modify or detoxify a chemical warfare agent or a toxic industrial chemical is also provided. The chemical warfare agent or the toxic industrial chemical is brought into contact with a MOF domain within the porous polymeric matrix so that the MOFs adsorb and chemically modify the chemical warfare agent or the toxic industrial chemical. A process for producing such a composite material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multi-layer structures comprising a first composite layer disposed over a second composite layer, wherein the first composite layer contains a first active material dispersed in a first polymer containing an elastomeric polymer and the second composite layer contains a second polymer which may have a second active material dispersed therein, wherein the first active material chemically or physically interacts with at least one toxic chemical and is selected from the group consisting of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), metal oxides, metal hydroxides, zeolites, and combinations thereof, and wherein the active material and the second active material (if present) are the same as or different from each other, and the first polymer and second polymer are the same as or different from each other, subject to the proviso that the first composite layer and the second composite layer compositionally differ from each other in at least one respect.

Abstract: A fan includes a motor adapted to be rotated about an axis and a hub adapted to be rotated by the motor. The hub may include first and second hub parts adapted to mate to form the hub, the first and second hub parts having a gap therebetween. A plurality of fan blades each includes an end portion located in the gap formed between the first and second hub parts, which may be drawn together by a fastener to capture the blades therebetween. One or more of the fan blades may include a receiver, such as an open-ended groove, for receiving a portion of the hub. An adapter may be configured to remain stationary during use while the hub and fan blades rotate, and a portion of the hub is adapted to be selectively deployed to engage the adapter to prevent rotation of the hub. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition having the structure of formula I: [R—Ar—(COOH)2]x[Ar—(COOH)3]2-xM32+??(I) is provided where M is Mn, Cu, Co, Fe, Zn, Cd, Ni, or Pt; R is a bromine, nitro, a primary amine, C1-C4 alkyl secondary amine, C1-C4 alkyl oxy, Br—(C1-C4 alkyl), NO2—(C1-C4 alkyl), a mercaptan, and reaction products of any of the aforementioned with acyl chlorides of the formulas: CH3(CH2)mC(O)Cl, or CH3(CH(C1-C4 alkyl)CH2)mC(O)Cl, or CH3(CH2)m-Ph-(CH2)pC(O)Cl, where Ph is a C6 phenyl or C6 phenyl with one or more hydrogens replaced with F, C1-C4 fluoroalkyl, or C1-C4 perfluoroalkyl; m is independently in each occurrence an integer of 0 to 12 inclusive; p is an integer of 0 to 36 inclusive, to form an amide, a thioamide, or an ester; Ar is a 1,3,5-modified phenyl, and 1.4>x>0. A process of synthesis thereof and the use to chemically modify a gaseous reactant are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) useful, for example, for gas adsorption, storage, and/or separation. Also provided are methods of making the MOFs, articles of manufacture incorporating the MOFs and methods for making these, as well as methods of using the MOFs.

Abstract: Processes, compositions, and sensors for sensing a variety of toxic chemicals based on colorimetric changes. Exemplary process for sensing a toxic chemical includes contacting a toxic chemical, or byproduct thereof, with a sorbent that includes a porous metal hydroxide or a porous mixed-metal oxide/hydroxide and a transition metal reactant suitable to react with a toxic chemical or byproduct thereof. The sorbent is contacted with the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof for a sampling time. A difference between a post-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent and a pre-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent is determined to thereby detect exposure to, or the presence of, the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof.

Abstract: Processes, compositions, and sensors for sensing a variety of toxic chemicals based on colorimetric changes. Exemplary process for sensing a toxic chemical includes contacting a toxic chemical, or byproduct thereof, with a sorbent that includes a porous metal hydroxide or a porous mixed-metal oxide/hydroxide and a transition metal reactant suitable to react with a toxic chemical or byproduct thereof. The sorbent is contacted with the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof for a sampling time. A difference between a post-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent and a pre-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent is determined to thereby detect exposure to, or the presence of, the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single thread composite fibers comprising at least one binder and at least one active catalyst for the capture and degradation of chemical threats such as chemical warfare agents (CWA), biological warfare agents, and toxic industrial chemicals (TIC) and a method for producing the same. The invention fibers are applicable to the fields of protective garments, filtration materials, and decontamination materials.

Abstract: Provided are composite materials that include a polymeric material and one or more metal organic frameworks intermixed with the polymeric material. A polymeric material may be a block copolymer that is optionally polymerized prior to combination with the metal organic framework. The composite materials are useful for many applications including as sorbents for removal of a chemical, optionally a toxic chemical, from a surface where the surface is contracted with the composite material which reacts with or adsorbs the chemical and is then removed to remove the chemical from the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multi-layer structures comprising a first composite layer disposed over a second composite layer, wherein the first composite layer contains a first active material dispersed in a first polymer containing an elastomeric polymer and the second composite layer contains a second polymer which may have a second active material dispersed therein, wherein the first active material chemically or physically interacts with at least one toxic chemical and is selected from the group consisting of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), metal oxides, metal hydroxides, zeolites, and combinations thereof, and wherein the active material and the second active material (if present) are the same as or different from each other, and the first polymer and second polymer are the same as or different from each other, subject to the proviso that the first composite layer and the second composite layer compositionally differ from each other in at least one respect.

Abstract: Processes, compositions, and sensors for sensing a variety of toxic chemicals based on colorimetric changes. Exemplary process for sensing a toxic chemical includes contacting a toxic chemical, or byproduct thereof, with a sorbent that includes a porous metal hydroxide or a porous mixed-metal oxide/hydroxide and a transition metal reactant suitable to react with a toxic chemical or byproduct thereof. The sorbent is contacted with the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof for a sampling time. A difference between a post-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent and a pre-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent is determined to thereby detect exposure to, or the presence of, the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof.

Abstract: A multispectral smoke obscurant composition effective in reducing transmittance in the visual, infrared, and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, comprising at least one metal organic framework (“MOF”), at least one fuel, at least one oxidizer, and optionally one or more additives selected from the group consisting of binders, coolants, and accelerants. The MOF or MOF composite is present from about 10 to 90 weight percent of the smoke obscurant composition, while the fuel and the oxidizer in combination comprise about at least 10 weight percent of the smoke obscurant composition.

Abstract: Provided are mixed metal oxy-hydroxides that serve as reactive media to bind, sequester, or alter one or more toxic chemicals such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and others. A reactive media includes: a porous metal oxy-hydroxide including at least one first transition metal that is optionally one or more of copper, zinc, or iron; a second transition metal linked to the first transition metal by a bond that includes an oxygen, the second transition metal selected optionally being one or more of magnesium, calcium, cobalt, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, and silicon; and the metal oxy-hydroxide terminated by at least one hydroxyl group. The resulting media provides for excellent porosity and reactivity for removal of toxic chemicals from the environment or a sample.

Abstract: Provided are processes for the sensitive detection of the presence of, absence of, and optionally the identity of, one or more chemical agents. The processes use the binding of chemical agents to a metal organic framework or metal oxide/hydroxide electrically connected to a pair of electrodes to detect low levels of chemical in a sample. By exposing the surface of the metal organic framework or the surface of the metal oxide/hydroxide to the chemicals and then measuring changes in impedance magnitude and/or phase shift through electrical impedance spectroscopy, the presence of a chemical agent is readily detected.

Abstract: Processes for sensing a variety of toxic chemicals and/or processes for determining the residual life of a filter or filtration system are provided. Exemplary process for sensing a toxic chemical include contacting a toxic chemical, or byproduct thereof, with a sorbent that includes a porous metal hydroxide and a transition metal reactant suitable to react with a toxic chemical or byproduct thereof. The sorbent is contacted with the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof for a sampling time. A difference between a post-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent and a pre-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent or control is determined to thereby sense exposure to, or the presence of, the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a composition for decontaminating surfaces contaminated with toxic chemicals/substances, comprising at least one type of metal oxyhydroxide such as zirconium hydroxide, Zr(OH)4, optionally with added water for hydration of the solid, mixed into a carrier liquid used for application to a contaminated surface.

Abstract: A high-surface-area, highly porous manganese oxide (MnOx) in the form of xerogel or aerogel monoliths or powders comprising a manganese oxide nanoarchitecture comprising an interior surface area >200 m2 g?1, wherein the MnOx gel has a void structure comprising pores that are sized from 2-150 nm, and wherein the manganese oxide nanoarchitecture removes toxic gas from a toxic gas and air mixture at room temperature via an oxidative mechanism that converts the toxic gas to an innocuous adsorbed substance. These high-surface-area, ultraporous manganese oxide (MnOx) xerogels and aerogels exhibit outstanding filtration performance for multiple, chemically distinct toxic gases, including ammonia, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. These MnOx materials use multiple mechanisms for small molecule capture/catalysis including molecular sieving and oxidative decomposition, and function in a wide range of humidity conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) useful, for example, for gas adsorption, storage, and/or separation. Also provided are methods of making the MOFs, articles of manufacture incorporating the MOFs and methods for making these, as well as methods of using the MOFs.