Evaluation of airliner cabin textile materials after vapour phase hydrogen peroxide decontamination

Abstract

Decontamination of airliner cabins may be required, for example, in the event of an epidemic or pandemic. To be performed safely, decontamination must be compatible with aircraft materials and systems. This paper examines the suitability, with respect to cabin textiles, of vapour phase hydrogen peroxide for airliner decontamination applications. The effect of vapour phase and liquid hydrogen peroxide on common airliner interior textile materials, namely wool, nylon, polyester, and Nomex, has been studied by examining the physical and chemical changes and the resulting effect on mechanical properties caused by decontamination. The physical changes induced by the sorption of moisture had an effect on the mechanical properties of all of the materials examined. However, only wool attacked chemically by hydrogen peroxide experience a significant effect on its mechanical properties.