Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants in Gamble’s Fluid : Is the Fluid Toxic? Can It Be Made Safer by Inclusion of Solid Nanocrystalline Metal Oxides?

Abstract EN

The reactions of chemical warfare agent simulants, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) and di-i-propyl fluoro phosphate (DFP), in fluids have been investigated.

Data analyses confirm the major degradation pathway to be hydrolysis of 2-CEES to 2-hydroxyethyl ethyl sulfide, along with minor self-condensation products.

Among the three fluids examined, 2-CEES degradation was the fastest in Gamble’s fluid during a 96 h period.

Upon addition of Exceptional Hazard Attenuation Materials (EHAMs) to 2-CEES containing Gamble’s fluid, degradation was generally improved during the first 24 h period.

The 96 h outcome was similar for fluid samples with or without EHAM 2 and EHAM 4.

EHAM 1-added fluid contained only one degradation product, 2-nitroethyl ethyl sulfide.

DFP degradation was the slowest in Gamble’s fluid, but was enhanced by the addition of EHAMs.

FTIR and solid state 31P NMR confirm the destructive adsorption of 2-CEES and DFP by the EHAMs.

The results collectively demonstrate that 2-CEES and DFP decompose to various extents in Gamble’s fluid over a 96 h period but the fluid still contains a considerable amount of intact simulant.

EHAM 1 appears to be promising for 2-CEES and DFP mitigation while EHAM 2 and EHAM 4 work well for early on concentration reduction of 2-CEES and DFP.