Patent Analyses of Chemical Protective Clothing Materials

Abstract

This study examined the issued and pre-granted patents of worldwide chemical protective clothing (CPC) materials. The purpose of the study was to combine patent databases and specific chemistry database, SciFinder, to analyze the technological trends and potential commercial CPC material through bibliography and registry number (RN). The conclusions of the study were as follows: First, in the analysis of patent information, we found that the main international patent classification (IPC) was B32B, layered products. U.S. and German were the leading pioneers in CPC material field. The major assignees were Bluecher, DU PONT and GORE. Each of them had unique technological base. Secondly, analyzing RN carefully and we found out that the activated carbon, PTFE, and Polyethylene were the main potential commercial CPC materials. After 2000, the activated carbon was integrated with the nanotechnology to promote the adsorption ability as absorption material. On the other hand, the PTFE material was used in membrane to upgrade the air permeability with good resistance to multi-harmful damages. There were many other new CPC materials in the early development stage. Thirdly, the analytic results showed that key CPC materials concentrated on the barrier ability, adsorption, detoxifying ability, comfort ability, durability, and layer construction. At the same time, the material also integrated into nanotechnology to promote the CPC performances. In the near future, The CPC would be lighter, stronger, and better protected. From passive adsorbent to active detoxifying and combine multi-resistance ability in one piece by applying layer construction to reach the multi-protection purposes, such as protection against nuclear, biological and chemical warfare agents.