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Chemical Agent Decontamination Powder Product InformationMEL200 is a zirconium hydoxide-based decontamination powder possessing high porosity and unpecidented chemical agent reactivity1. The unprecidented chemical agent reactivity is attributed to the surface functionality of the zirconium hydroxide microbeads coupled with the macroporous nature of the pore size distribution. MEL200 far exceeds the sorbent, decontaminaiton powder specification for efficacy, reactivity, reactive capacity and vapor off-gassing. MEL200 is cost-competitive with the A-200 decontamination powder currently employed in the M295 and M100 decontamination kits.

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Figure 1. Chemical agent destruction capability of MEL200 compared to current A200 sorbent decontamination powder.

Figure 2. SEM image of MEL200 decontamination powder.

Decontamination systems

MEL200 is a high performance alternative to A-200 currently employed in the M295 and M100 decon kits. In use, MEL200 is rubbed onto a chemical agent contaminated surface. Chemical agent is rapidly absorbed from the surface into the pores of MEL200, where the agent is detoxified upon contact surface hydroxyl groups. The spherical geometry of MEL200 allows for rapid application. When used in the M295 or M100, MEL200:

• Allows the warfighter to decontaminate their equipment in a short period of time.

• Minimize chemical agent transfer during critical operations, such as MOPP gear exchange, equipment transfer, entry/exit, etc.

• Minimizes agent penetration onto surfaces of their equipment.

MEL200 has been incorporated into prototype M295 and M100 decontamination kits and is accepted as a viable replacement for A-200, which is no longer currently available.

Figure 3. Photograpic images of M295 (left) and M100 decontamination kits (right) cotaining MEL200.

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Discover more at www.luxfermeltechnologies.com @LuxferMELTech

Luxfer MEL Technologies Elektron Technology Centre Lumns Lane, Manchester, M27 8LN, UKT +44 (0) 161 911 1000

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Luxfer MEL Technologies 4601 Westown Parkway Suite 130West Des Moines, IA 50266T +1 515 421 4100

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† The information contained within is meant as a guideline only

Copyright © Luxfer MEL Technologies 2018. The information provided within this document is aimed to assist manufacturers andother interested parties in the use of Luxfer MEL Technologies products. Luxfer MEL Technologies accepts no liability in whole or in part from use and interpretation of the data herein. All information is given in good faith but without warranty. Freedom from patent rights must not be assumed. Health and Safety information is available for all Luxfer MEL Technologies products. DS-1019-1118

Applications

The properties of MEL200 allow it to be incorporated into a range of decontamination products that include:

• Spray decontamination applicators – MEL200 mixed with kerosene can be deliverd as a spray which allows for rapid decontamination of a large area.

• Reactive barrier material – Incorporation of MEL200 into barrier material provides a mechanism whereby persistent chemical agent is adsorbed and detoxified

• Sensitive equipment decontamination – SED employs a fluoroether cleaning solvent to remove chemical and biological agent from contaminated equipment. MEL200 unprecidented ability to detoxify chemical agents provides a mechanism by which the solvent is purified for re-use.

Figure 4. MEL200 sprayed onto CARC coated surface using kerosene carrier.

Figure 5. MEL200 incorporated into barrier material.

Figure 6. Sensitive Equipment Decon System employing MEL200 to purify solvent for re-use.

References1Bandosz, Laskoski, Mahle, Mogilevsky, Peterson, Rossin, Wagner; “Reactions of VX, GD, and HD with Zr(OH)4: Near Instantaneous Decontamination of VX.” J. Phys. Chem. C. 116 (2012) 1160