Chemical warfare agents and their interactions with solid surfaces

This literature study describes the interactions of chemical warfare agents (CWA) with materials. The materials of interest are various construction materials (concrete, plastics) and different types of surface finishing which are commonly used in urban environment or during military operations. Physical mechanisms (absorption, permeability) as well as chemical reactions (degradation) occurring on the surfaces are described, and their influence on the CWA persistency is given. It was found that degradation occurs mainly on basic surfaces, and the toxicity of the reaction products is affected by the experimental conditions and the condition of the surface. The principles behind new technologies emerging in the field of surface treatment have been included: the so-called omniphobic surfaces, able to repel any kind of liquid and the strippable coatings – paint which can be easily removed if it becomes contaminated.