The breakthrough behaviour of activated charcoal cloth samples against an oxygen
analogue (OA) of sulphur mustard has been studied using the modified Wheeler equation.
Activated charcoal cloth samples having different surface area values in the range of 481
to 1290 m2/g were used for this purpose. Breakthrough behaviour was found to depend
on the properties of the activated charcoal cloth, properties of the OA and the adsorption
conditions. Activated charcoal cloth with a high surface area of 1290 m2/g, relatively large
surface density of 160 g/m2 and coarser fiber structure exhibited better kinetic saturation
capacity value, 0.19 g/g, against OA vapours when compared to others, thus confirming its
potential use in foldable masks for protection against chemical warfare agents.