Structure–property relationships of polymer-filled nonwoven membranes for chemical protection applications

Polymer membranes with selective permeabilities are excellent material candidates for chemical protection applications. For example, poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) membranes have high water permeability, and at the same time, they can block some harmful chemicals. However, PAMPS membranes are mechanically weak and their vapor selectivities need to be further improved for practical chemical protection. In this study, nonwoven fabrics were employed as the structural host to enhance both the mechanical properties and functionality of PAMPS membranes. PAMPS-filled nonwoven membranes were prepared by filling the open pores of polypropylene nonwovens with linear and cross-linked PAMPS materials, respectively. It was found that PAMPS-filled nonwoven membranes showed improved tensile properties, reduced vapor permeability, and increased selectivity, and the resultant PAMPS-filled nonwoven membranes are promising material candidates for chemical protection applications.