A New Colorimetric Assay for Determination of Selected Toxic Vapors and Liquids Permeation Through Barrier Materials Using the Minitest Device

Abstract

A moment of permeation of both gaseous and liquid phases of a toxic compound through a barrier material has been indicated colorimetrically at the same time on 20 exposed places using suitable colour indicators. The newly developed device MINITEST is able to evaluate the resistivity of both porous and non-porous barrier materials of a textile character against permeation of toxic vapours (permeation) and liquids (penetration) in static conditions. As a model test chemical either the sulfur mustard or significantly alkaline or acid volatile toxic compound have been applied. During the permeation, these species react with a suitable acid-base indicator and a markedly coloured stain can be created. Newly developed MINITEST device enables determination of chemical resistance of areal barrier materials not only in a process of their development but also in the rate of their practical applications.