Carbon tremendous mechanical strength

SPMs can now be found in commercial markets and specialty clothing due to their lightweight structure, liquid and aerosol repellent properties, and facilitation of moisture vapor transport. However, for military use, SPMs have limitations (Wilusz 2007). SPMs may act as liquid-repellents but may allow vapors to pass and therefore need an activated carbon layer to add extra protection capabilities. Moreover, military garments experience tremendous stress on a day-to-day basis. SPM-based ensembles are more susceptible to tearing as compared to activated carbon-based textile fabrics (Wilusz 2007). Optimizing the permselectivity of the membrane by surface modification or other such techniques is necessary to achieve a balance between comfort (e.g., moisture vapor transmission) and chemical vapor barrier properties. Furthermore, SPMs or membrane-carbon ensembles must possess acceptable mechanical strength to sustain daily military operations. 

Since nearly two decades ago that lijima [203] reported the observation of carbon nanotubes, numerous researchers studied physical and chemical properties of this new form of carbons. From unique electronic properties and a thermal conductivity higher than diamond to mechanical properties (stiffness, strength, resilience) higher any current material, carbon nanotubes offer tremendous opportunities for the development of new materials. 

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