Smart polymeric coatings for surface decontamination

Polymeric "smart" coatings have been developed that are capable of both det ecting and removing hazardous nuclear and heavy metal contaminants from con taminated surfaces. These coatings consist of strippable polymeric composit ions containing blends of polymers, copolymers and additives that can be br ushed or sprayed onto a surface as a solution or dispersion in aqueous medi a. Upon drying, these coatings form strong films that can easily be peeled or stripped from the surface. When applied to a contaminated surface, these coatings display responsive behavior. Areas of contamination are indicated by a color change. As the coatings dry, the contaminants are drawn into an d fixed in the polymer matrix. Subsequent removal of the coating with entra pped contaminants results in some degree of surface decontamination. Here w e report the development and investigation of a smart, decontaminating coat ing developed for uranium and plutonium.