Protective garment system having activated carbon composite with improved absorbency

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a protective garment system having two primary components. The first component, which serves as the outer layer of the garment, comprises a textile substrate that has been treated on one side with a hydrophobic composition and has been treated on the opposite side with an oleophobic composition. This combination is well-suited for protection against a variety of organic, oily type liquids (such as chemical warfare agents). The second component, which is a composite structure that serves as the inner layer of the garment, contains a core of activated carbon positioned between layers of adhesive and textile substrate.

1 . A protective garment system, said protective garment system comprising:
 an inner layer comprising a composite component, said composite component comprising a first textile component to which a first layer of adhesive has been applied, a second textile component to which a second layer of adhesive has been applied, and an activated carbon core disposed between, and adhesively bonded to, at least one of said first and second layers of adhesive;   an outer layer comprising a treated textile component, said treated textile component having a first side that is substantially hydrophobic and a second side that is at least oleophobic;   wherein said inner layer and said outer layer are joined in at least one point to form a protective garment system.   
     
     
         2 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein a layer of air is disposed between said inner layer and said outer layer. 
     
     
         3 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein said first layer of adhesive is a substantially continuous layer. 
     
     
         4 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein said second layer of adhesive is a discontinuous layer. 
     
     
         5 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein said first layer of adhesive and said second layer of adhesive are selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, copolyamides, aliphatic polyesters, polyacrylics, ethyl vinyl acetate copolymers, and epoxies. 
     
     
         6 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein said activated carbon core comprises a plurality of non-uniformly sized, non-spherically shaped carbon granules. 
     
     
         7 . The protective garment system of  claim 6 , wherein said carbon granules are derived from coconuts. 
     
     
         8 . The protective garment system of  claim 6 , wherein said carbon granules have sizes in the range of 12 to 80 US Mesh. 
     
     
         9 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein said activated carbon core comprises a carbon material selected from the group consisting of powders, particles, granules, spheres, pellets, fibers, and cloth, said carbon material being coated with a fluorocarbon material. 
     
     
         10 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein said activated carbon core comprises a carbon cloth. 
     
     
         11 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein said first side of said treated textile substrate comprises a hydrophobic treatment selected from the group consisting of waxes, silicones, acrylic copolymers, polyester dispersions, polyolefin dispersions, and hydrophobically modified inorganic particulates. 
     
     
         12 . The protective garment system of  claim 1 , wherein said second side of said treated textile substrate comprises at least an oleophobic treatment primarily containing a fluorocarbon.