Crosslinked Bicontinuous Cubic Lyotropic Liquid‐Crystal/Butyl‐Rubber Composites: Highly Selective, Breathable Barrier Materials for Chemical Agent Protection

A breathable material that can act as a barrier to chemical agents is presented. The material is composed of butyl rubber and a crosslinkable lyotropic liquid crystal. Under the right synthesis conditions, a cubic phase with the desired selectivity properties results (see figure). The material is highly permeable to water vapor, but strongly impermeable to a mustard gas simulant. Application of the material for effective personal protection against such chemical agents is envisaged.