Study on a novel and efficient flame retardant synergist–nanoporous nickel phosphates VSB-1 with intumescent flame retardants in polypropylene

All-in-one bio-derived poly(L-lactic acid)-based composite with fire-resistance and smoke-suppression performance

The flammability of bio-derived poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) greatly limits its application and eco-friendly multifunctional fire-fighting PLA-based composites are highly desired. In this work, a fully bio-based modified CS (C-CS) and commercially available eco-friendly ammonium polyphosphate (APP) were used as a synergistic flame retardant agent (C-CS/APP) to investigate its effects on fire-proofing performance and diverse properties of the PLA. The PLA/5%C-CS/5%APP composite exhibited excellent fire-resistant performance with anti-droplet, smoke-suppression and self-extinguishing property, and its limited oxygen index enhanced by 37 % (compared with neat PLA). This composite reached the highest V-0 fire safety rating, and its peak of heat release rate and total smoke production reduced by 26.5 % and 68.3 %, respectively. In addition, the char residue yield after the cone calorimeter test increased by 46 times in the composite, indicating an outstanding char-forming capacity. The condensed phase flame retardancy played a crucial role on the fire-fighting of this composite, that is, significantly enhanced char residue (as a physical barrier) blocked the heat exchange and O2 entry, and further suppressed the combustion reaction. Additionally, the PLA-based composite showed outstanding UV-absorption property, good anti-bacterial effect, and increased hydrophilicity and crystallizability.

Recent remediation strategies for flame retardancy via nanoparticles

This review article delves into the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in fire prevention, aiming to elucidate their specific contribution within the broader context of various fire prevention methods. While acknowledging established approaches such as fire safety principles, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, and the use of fire-retardant chemicals and safety equipment, this review focuses on the distinctive properties of NPs. The findings underscore the remarkable potential of NPs in controlling and mitigating fire propagation within both architectural structures and vehicles. Specifically, the primary emphasis lies in the impact of NPs on reducing oxygen levels, as assessed through the limiting oxygen index , a subject explored by various researchers. Furthermore, this review delves into the examination of combustion reduction rates facilitated by NPs, utilizing assessments of ignition time, heat release rate (HRR), and flammability tests (UL-94) on plastic materials. Beyond these aspects, the review evaluates the multifaceted role of NPs in achieving weight reduction and establishing fire-retardant properties. Additionally, it discusses the reduction of smoke, a significant contributor to environmental pollution and health risks. Among the nanoparticles investigated in this study, SiO2, MgAl, and nano hydrotalcite have demonstrated the best results in weight reduction, smoke reduction, and HRR, respectively. Meanwhile, Al2O3 has been identified as one of the least effective treated nanoparticles. Collectively, these findings significantly contribute to improving safety measures and reducing fire risks across a range of industries.

Modified β-cyclodextrin microspheres towards the application in intumescent fire resistance and smoke-suppressing of bio-based poly(L-lactic acid)

In this work, the β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was modified by a phosphazene compound to prepare a novel amorphous derivate (β-CDCP), which was combined with the ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as a synergistic flame retardant (FR) of the bio-based poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA). The effects of the APP/β-CDCP on the thermal stability, combustion behavior, pyrolysis process, fire resistance performance and crystallizability of the PLA were investigated comprehensively and in depth by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, limited oxygen index (LOI) analysis, UL-94 test, cone calorimetry measurement, TG-infrared (TG-IR), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer, Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry. The PLA/5%APP/10%β-CDCP showed a highest LOI of 33.2 %, passed V-0 rating and exhibited self-extinguish phenomenon in the UL-94 test. Also, it presented a lowest peak of heat release rate, total heat release, peak of smoke production rate and total smoke release, and a highest char yield treated by cone calorimetry analysis. In addition, the 5%APP/10%β-CDCP shortened significantly crystallization time and enhanced crystallization rate of the PLA. Gas phase and intumescent condensed phase fire proofing mechanisms are proposed to elucidate enhanced fire resistance in this system in detail.

Improving the Thermal Stability and Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resins by Lamellar Cobalt Potassium Pyrophosphate

In order to improve the fire retardancy of epoxy resin (EP), lamellar cobalt potassium pyrophosphate (LCPP) nanocrystal whiskers with a length of 100-300 nm were designed and synthesized by a liquid technique. LCPP with high thermal stability was blended into EP to prepare the EP/LCPP composites. The results show that the EP/LCPP composites have higher thermal stability and produce more residues compared to pure EP. The combustion results display that the LOI value of the EP/10wt%LCPP composites was significantly improved to 35.9%, and the EP/6wt%LCPP composite can reach a UL-94 V-1 rating. Additionally, the peak heat release rate and peak smoke production rate of the EP/10wt%LCPP composites dramatically decreased by 43.8% and 48.5%, respectively. The improved flame retardancy and smoke suppression are mainly attributed to the inherent physical barrier of LCPP and the excellent catalytic carbonization ability of LCPP.

Ammonium Polyphosphate with High Specific Surface Area by Assembling Zeolite Imidazole Framework in EVA Resin: Significant Mechanical Properties, Migration Resistance, and Flame Retardancy

A zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-67) was assembled onto the surface of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) for preparing a series multifunctional flame-retardant APP-ZIFs. The assembly mechanism, chemical structure, chemical compositions, morphology, and specific surface area of APP-ZIFs were characterized. The typical APPZ1 and APPZ4 were selected as intumescent flame retardants with dipentaerythritol (DPER) because of their superior unit catalytic efficiency of cobalt by thermogravimetric analysis. APPZ1 and APPZ4 possessed 6.8 and 92.1 times the specific surface area of untreated APP, which could significantly enhance the interfacial interaction, mechanical properties, and migration resistance when using in ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). With 25% loading, 25% APPZ4/DPER achieved a limiting oxygen index value of 29.4% and a UL 94 V-0 rating, whereas 25% APP/DPER achieved a limiting oxygen index value of only 26.2% and a V-2 rating, respectively. The peak of the heat release rate, smoke production rate, and CO production rate respectively decreased by 34.7%, 39.0%, and 40.1%, while the char residue increased by 91.7%. These significant improvements were attributed to the catalytic graphitization by nano cobalt phosphate and the formation of a more protective char barrier comprised of graphite-like carbon.

Preparation of β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex and Its Application as an Intumescent Flame Retardant for Epoxy

A new P-N containing the flame retardant, which was namely N,N′-dibutyl-phosphate diamide (DBPDA), was synthesized and it was assembled into the cavity of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to form an inclusion complex (IC). The structure and properties of IC were characterized by Fourier transform infraredspectroscopy (FTIR), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). ¹H NMR and SEM-EDS were also used to identify the molar ratio of β-CD/DBPDA in IC and the results from the analyses indicated that their molar ratio was 1:1. In order to test the flame retardant effect of IC, it was added to epoxy (EP). IC was proposed to be able to act as an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system in EP through a combination of β-CD and DBPDA properties during the combustion process. β-CD is a biomass carbon source, which has the advantages of environmental protection and low cost. Furthermore, DBPDA is both a source of acid and gas. When IC was heated, IC had the advantage of acting as both a carbon source and foam forming agent, while the DBPDA component were able to directly generate phosphoric acid and NH₃ in situ. The impact of IC in low additive amounts on flame retardancy of EP was studied by the cone calorimeter test. When only 3 wt % IC was incorporated, the peak values of heat release rate (pHRR) and smoke production rate (pSPR) of EP were reduced by 22.9% and 33.3% respectively, which suggested that IC could suppress the heat and smoke release efficiently.

Morphology Influence of Nanoporous Nickel Phosphate on Intumescent Flame Retardant Polypropylene Composites

The morphology of nanoporous nickel phosphate (NP) has a close relationship with its properties, so in this work NP with needle-like and mushroom-like shape was synthesized. Then NP with needle-like and mushroom-like shape was applied in intumescent flame retardant polypropylene (PP) composites. With the addition of suitable content of NP, both mushroom-like and needle-like NP can improve the combustion and thermal properties of intumescent flame retardant PP composites. Needle-like NP shows a better thermal ant flame retardant synergist effect with intumescent flame retardants compared to mushroom-like NP. However, mushroom-like NP shows a better effect on smoke suppression. With the addition of suitable content of needle-like NP, the peak heat release rate of flame retardant PP composite decreases by 68.2 % comparing with that of the pure PP, and decreases by 23.8 % comparing with that of flame retardant PP composite without NP. The maximum weight loss temperature of PP composites can be increased from 408 °C to 485 °C with the addition of needle-like NP. Furthermore, the pyrolysis products of flame retardant PP composite with needle-like NP were investigated. From the research, it provides a further understanding of the influence on synergic effects in intumescent flame retardant systems.

Novel sulfonate-containing halogen-free flame-retardants: effect of ternary and quaternary sulfonates centered on adamantane on the properties of polycarbonate composites

Two efficient sulfonate flame retardants based on adamantane endow PC composites with excellent flame retardancy and mechanical property.

Thermal stability and combustion behavior of flame-retardant polypropylene with thermoplastic polyurethane-microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate

In this article, thermoplastic polyurethane-microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MTAPP) is prepared and well characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). MTAPP and APP are added onto polypropylene (PP) as a novel intumescent flame-retardant system to improve the flame retardancy of PP. The flammability, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the flame-retardant PP composites are investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 vertical burning test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), TGA, and mechanical properties tests. The results show that MTAPP exhibits better flame retardancy and thermal stability than that of the APP in the flame-retardant PP composites. The LOI value of the PP/MTAPP composite at the same loading level is higher than that of PP/APP composite. The dripping of MTAPP system disappears compared with APP system from UL-94 test. The results of the CCT also indicate that MTAPP is an effective flame retardant in PP. The improvement may be attributed to the better charring capacity of MTAPP from TGA. Additionally, the mechanical properties of MTAPP are better than those of APP in PP.