A recycled environmental friendly flame retardant by modifying para-aramid fiber with phosphorus acid for thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer

A Simple and Efficient Magnesium Hydroxide Modification Strategy for Flame-Retardancy Epoxy Resin

Magnesium hydroxide, as a green inorganic flame-retardancy additive, has been widely used in polymer flame retardancy. However, magnesium hydroxide is difficult to disperse with epoxy resin (EP), and its flame-retardancy performance is poor, so it is difficult to use in flame-retardant epoxy resin. In this study, an efficient magnesium hydroxide-based flame retardant (MH@PPAC) was prepared by surface modification of 2-(diphenyl phosphine) benzoic acid (PPAC) using a simple method. The effect of MH@PPAC on the flame-retardancy properties for epoxy resins was investigated, and the flame-retardancy mechanism was studied. The results show that 5 wt% MH@PPAC can increase the limiting oxygen index for EP from 24.1% to 38.9%, achieving a V-0 rating. At the same time, compared to EP, the peak heat release rate, peak smoke production rate, total smoke production rate, and peak CO generation rate for EP/5 wt% MH@PPAC composite material decreased by 53%, 45%, 51.85%, and 53.13% respectively. The cooperative effect for PPAC and MH promotes the formation of a continuous and dense char layer during the combustion process for the EP-blend material, significantly reducing the exchange for heat and combustible gases, and effectively hindering the combustion process. Additionally, the surface modification of PPAC enhances the dispersion of MH in the EP matrix, endowing EP with superior mechanical properties that meet practical application requirements, thereby expanding the application scope for flame-retardant EP-blend materials.

Thermal Behavior of Curaua-Aramid Hybrid Laminated Composites for Ballistic Helmet

Hybrid composites are expanding applications in cutting-edge technology industries, which need materials capable of meeting combined properties in order to guarantee high performance and cost-effectiveness. This original article aimed for the first time to investigate the hybrid laminated composite thermal behavior, made of two types of fibers: synthetic Twaron® fabric and natural curaua non-woven mat, reinforcing epoxy matrix. The composite processing was based on the ballistic helmets methodology from the North American Personal Armor System for Ground Troops, currently used by the Brazilian Army, aiming at reduced costs, total weight, and environmental impact associated with the material without compromising ballistic performance. Thermal properties of plain epoxy, aramid fabric, and curaua mat were evaluated, as well as the other five configurations of hybrid laminated composites. These properties were compared using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with its derivative (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermomechanical analysis (TMA). The results showed that the plain epoxy begins thermal degradation at 208 °C while the curaua mat at 231 °C and the aramid fabric at 477 °C. The hybrid laminated composites curves showed two or three inflections in terms of mass loss. The only sample that underwent thermal expansion was the five-aramid and three-curaua layers composite. In the third analyzed temperature interval, related to the glass transition temperature of the composites, there was, in general, an increasing thermal stability behavior.

Synergetic Effect of α-ZrP Nanosheets and Nitrogen-Based Flame Retardants on Thermoplastic Polyurethane

A supramolecular self-assembly method was used to prepare melamine cyanurate/α-ZrP nanosheets (MCA@α-ZrP) as a novel hybrid flame retardant for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Microstructure characterization showed a uniform dispersion with strong interfacial strength of the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid within the TPU matrix, leading to simultaneous enhancements in both mechanical and fire-safety properties. The TPU/MCA@α-ZrP nanocomposite exhibited 43.1 and 47.0% increments in tensile strength and fracture energy, respectively. Thanks to the platelike structure of α-ZrP coupled with the dilution effect of MCA (releasing nonflammable gases), the hybrid MCA@α-ZrP reduced the peak heat release rate of TPU by 49.7% in comparison with 15.8 and 35.4% for TPU/MCA and TPU/ α-ZrP composites, respectively. The fire performance index of TPU is significantly promoted by 90% upon adding the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid. Additionally, LOI and UL-94 tests showed high flame-retarding characteristics for the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid. For example, LOI increased from 20.0% for neat TPU to 25.5% for the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid system, and it was rated V-1 from the UL-94 test. Furthermore, the smoke production and pyrolysis products were significantly suppressed by adding the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid into TPU. Interfacial hydrogen bonding, the dilution effect of MCA, forming a "labyrinth" layer, and catalytic action of α-ZrP nanosheets synergistically improved both the mechanical performance and flame retardancy of TPU nanocomposites. This work provides a new example of integrating traditional flame retardants with functional nanosheets to develop polymeric nanocomposites with high mechanical and fire-safety properties.

High-Efficient Flame-Retardant Finishing of Cotton Fabrics Based on Phytic Acid

In this study, an efficient phosphorus-containing flame retardant, PAPBTCA, was synthesized from phytic acid, pentaerythritol, and 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid, and its structure was characterized. PAPBTCA was finished on cotton fabrics by the pad-dry-curing process, and the flame retardancy, flame-retardant durability, and wrinkle resistance of the obtained flame-retardant fabrics were investigated. It should be noted that the heat release rate value of the flame-retardant cotton fabrics treated with 200 g/L PAPBTCA decreased by 90% and its excellent flame retardancy was maintained after 5 washing cycles. Meanwhile, the wrinkle resistance of flame-retardant cotton fabrics has been significantly improved. In addition, compared with the control, the breaking force loss of PAPBTCA-200 in the warp and weft directions was 24% and 21%, respectively. This study provides a new way to utilize natural phosphorus-based flame retardants to establish multifunctional finishing for cotton fabrics.

Pyrolysis of Precious Chinese Xuan Paper Containing Ammonium Phytate as a Flame Retardant

Xuan paper with outstanding cultural and artistic values is one of the most precious Chinese handmade papers and is widely used in traditional calligraphy and painting. However, the highly combustible cellulosic raw materials of Xuan paper present potential fire hazards. Ammonium phytate (AP) originating from biosourced phytic acid has been used for the flame-retardant treatment of Chinese Xuan paper by facile spray coating. The limiting oxygen index value of the treated Xuan paper increased to higher than 40%, demonstrating that the flammability of Xuan paper was greatly reduced by this treatment. The excellent flame retardancy afforded by this treatment was confirmed by cone calorimetry. TGA was used to demonstrate that the presence of AP changed the thermal decomposition process to promote char formation during the degradation of Xuan paper. The flame-retardant mode of action of phytate-coated Xuan paper was investigated using TG-FTIR, SEM, and XPS spectra. A P-N cooperative effect was proposed to account for both the condensed phase and gas-phase flame-retardant actions. The phosphorus component promotes char formation in the condensed phase, while the nitrogen component releases inert species to dilute the fuel load in the gas phase. The ink-wetting property of the coated Xuan paper was influenced negligibly by the coating process. The development of fire-resistant Xuan paper using ecofriendly flame retardants through simple and convenient spray coating has been demonstrated.

2D-Material-integrated hydrogels as multifunctional protective skins for soft robots

Soft robots provide compliant object-machine interactions, but they exhibit insufficient material stability, which restricts them from working in harsh environments. Herein, we developed a class of soft robotic skins based on two-dimensional materials (2DMs) and gelatin hydrogels, featuring skin-like multifunctionality (stretchability, thermoregulation, threat protection, and strain sensing). The 2DM-integrated hydrogel (2DM/H) skins enabled soft robots to execute designated missions in the presence of high levels of heat and various environmental threats while maintaining mild machine temperatures. Via adopting different 2DMs (graphene oxide (GO), montmorillonite (MMT), and titanium carbide (MXene)), the 2DM/H-protected robots were able to perform soft grasping in organic liquids (GO/H) and open fire (MMT/H), and in the presence of electromagnetic radiation and biocontamination (MXene/H). Through blending MXene nanosheets into gelatin, the MXene-blended hydrogel (M-H) skin became strain sensitive, and a GO/M-H gripper exhibited the high-level integration of skin-mimicking capabilities. Finally, we incorporated 2DM/H skins onto an origami-inspired walker robot and a soft batoid-like robot to execute vision-guided searching in fire and underwater locomotion/navigation in chemical spills.

Synthesis of Novel Arginine-Based Flame Retardant and Its Application in Lyocell Fabric

Lyocell fabrics are widely applied in textiles, however, its high flammability increases the risk of fire. Therefore, to resolve the issue, a novel biomass-based flame retardant with phosphorus and nitrogen elements was designed and synthesized by the reaction of arginine with phosphoric acid and urea. It was then grafted onto the lyocell fabric by a dip-dry-cure technique to prepare durable flame-retardant lyocell fabric (FR-lyocell). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that the flame retardant was successfully introduced into the lyocell sample. Thermogravimetric (TG) and Raman analyses confirmed that the modified lyocell fabric featured excellent thermal stability and significantly increased char residue. Vertical combustion results indicated that FR-lyocell before and after washing formed a complete and dense char layer. Thermogravimetric Fourier-transform infrared (TG-FTIR) analysis suggested that incombustible substances (such as H₂O and CO₂) were produced and played a significant fire retarding role in the gas phase. The cone calorimeter test corroborated that the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) declined by 89.4% and 56.4%, respectively. These results indicated that the flame retardancy of the lyocell fabric was observably ameliorated.

Application of the synergistic flame retardant europium hydrotalcite/graphene oxide hybrid material and zinc borate to thermoplastic polyurethane

In this paper, a certain amount of rare earth (europium) was doped into magnesium aluminum salt solution and assembled with graphene oxide (GO) by electrostatic interaction under alkaline conditions. Then, the EuMgAl-LDH/GO hybrid material was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Its microstructure was analyzed and tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the results indicated that the EuMgAl-LDH/GO hybrid material had been successfully prepared. Next, it was mixed with zinc borate and added to a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) (thermoplastic polyurethane) matrix by melting blending. The flame retardant and smoke suppression effect of the composite was tested by conical calorimetry. The results showed that, compared with simple TPU, the PHRR (peak heat release rate), THR (total heat release), PSPR (peak smoke production rate) and TSP (total smoke production) value of the composite material decreased by 65.6%, 16.2%, 61% and 37.1%, respectively. Finally, through analysis of the carbon residue after combustion of the TPU composite material, we found that the formed carbon layer is denser and the char yield is greatly improved.

Novel Cast Polyurethanes Obtained by Using Reactive Phosphorus-Containing Polyol: Synthesis, Thermal Analysis and Combustion Behaviors

Phosphorus-containing polyol applications in polyurethane synthesis can prevent volatilization of flame retardants and their migration on the surface of a material. In this work, novel cast polyurethanes were prepared by a one-step method with the use of different amounts of phosphorus-containing polyol, 4,4′–diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol. The chemical structure, thermal, physicochemical and mechanical properties and flame resistance of the prepared materials were investigated. The results obtained for cast flame-retarded polyurethanes were compared with cast polyurethane synthesized with commonly known polyether polyol. It has been shown that with an increasing amount of phosphorus content to polyurethane’s chemical structure, an increased flame resistance and char yield were found during combustion tests. Phosphorus polyol worked in both the condensed (reduced heat and mass exchange) and gas phase (inhibition of flame propagation during burning). The obtained materials contained phosphorus polyol, indicating higher thermal stability in an oxidative environment than an inert atmosphere.

Eco-friendly flame retardant and dripping-resistant of polyester/cotton blend fabrics through layer-by-layer assembly fully bio-based chitosan/phytic acid coating

Polyester/cotton blend fabrics are widely used in clothing and household textiles which combine the comfort of cotton and excellent mechanical strength of polyester. However, their high flammability due to the special "wick effect" resulting from the different thermal decomposition process of cotton and polyester causes greatly potential fire hazards. In this study, fully bio-based intumescent flame retardant (IFR) coating of chitosan/phytic acid (CS/PA) was layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly constructed on polyester/cotton blend fabrics. The LOI value of polyester/cotton blend fabric which was LBL assembly coated by 20 bilayers CS/PA reached 29.2%. And the dripping of coated fabric was eliminated. The results of cone calorimetry test confirmed CS/PA coating greatly improved the flame retardancy of polyester/cotton blend fabrics. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed CS/PA coating changed the thermal decomposition process to promote the char formation of polyester/cotton blend fabrics. CS/PA coating on fabric could form the IFR system which acts through both condensed phase action by the catalysis dehydration reaction to forming stable char and gas phase action by the blowing effect. This research provides a new strategy to eco-friendly flame retardant and dripping-resistant for polyester/cotton blend fabrics by bio-based IFR system through facile LBL assembly method.

Durable Flame-Resistant and Ultra-Hydrophobic Aramid Fabrics via Plasma-Induced Graft Polymerization

A durable flame-resistant and ultra-hydrophobic phosphorus–fluoride coating on aramid fabrics was achieved by plasma-induced graft polymerization. The aramid fabrics were activated and roughed through the low-pressure plasma firstly, which involves the sequential coating of a mixture of phosphorus–fluoride emulsion copolymer. When potentially exposed to flame or water, such a surface produces a dual effect in which it is intumescent and waterproof, successfully giving the coated fabrics flame-resistant ultra-hydrophobic bifunctional properties. Thus, adhesive coatings provide a convenient way to resolve the issue of washing durability of the coatings. The as-prepared fabrics last for 10 repeatable washing cycles without losing their flame resistance and superhydrophobicity, suggesting future applications as advanced multifunctional textiles. Compared to an untreated coating, its char length was less than 1 cm with no measurable after-flame or after-glow times, and its static water contact angle remained stable above 170°. Meanwhile, the control sample was unable to extinguish the fire with a damage length of 10.6 cm and a water contact angle of 100°. All the results indicate that plasma-reactive polar groups interact between phosphorus and fluorine elements, leading to an increased relative atom ratio P and F through Energy-Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) spectra and XPS analysis, which inhibits the flammability and wettability.

A high molecular weight formaldehyde-free polymer flame retardant made from polyvinyl alcohol for cellulose

Polyvinyl alcohol and phosphoric acid were used as primary raw materials to synthesize a polyvinyl alcohol/ammonium phosphate flame retardant (PVAAP) for cotton fabrics. The limiting oxygen index of the cotton fabric treated with 24% PVAAP was 42.1. After 50 standard laundry cycles, the limiting oxygen index remained relatively high (26.3), suggesting that the 24% PVAAP can be used as a durable flame retardant. The vertical flammability test of the cotton fabric treated with PVAAP exhibited no afterflame and afterglow. The cone calorimetry test indicated that the peak of the heat release rate and total heat release of the cotton fabric treated with 24% PVAAP were significantly lower than those of the control cotton. Thermogravimetric and thermogravimetric-infrared spectroscopy revealed that the initial decomposition temperature of the PVAAP-treated fabric was substantially lower than that of the control fabric, and more residual carbon was generated. The PVAAP altered the thermal decomposition pathway of the treated cotton. The X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy images suggested that the PVAAP treatment did not change the structure of the fibers.

Characterization of Crystal Microstructure Based on Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) Technique

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is an effective method to obtain microstructural information of materials. However, due to the influence of crystal surface effects, SAXS has a deviation in the characterization of the crystal microstructure. In order to solve the influence of crystal surface effect on the internal defect signal, the microstructure of Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) crystal was characterized by soaking the sample in the matching solution. We found that the absolute scattering intensity, specific surface and volume fraction of the sample in the matching solution are significantly lower than the initial sample, which solves the influence of the crystal surface effect on the test results. Comparing the scattering results of the samples in different electron density matching solutions, it was found that the best result was obtained when using GPL-107 perfluoropolyether (PFPE) matching solution and the same law was obtained by controlling the experiment with 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) crystal. The fitting density was calculated according to the theoretical density and void volume fraction of the sample, and the calculated results are close to the test results of Particle Density Distribution Analyzer (PDDA). Based on this paper, we provide a method to obtain the correct information of crystal microstructure.

Chlorination Treatment of Meta-Aramid Fibrids and Its Effects on Mechanical Properties of Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol/Toluene Diisocyanate (PTMEG/TDI)-Based Polyurethane Composites

Meta-aramid fibrids (MAF) have attracted much attention. However, it is difficult for this high mechanical performance fiber to form sufficient interface adhesion between the MAF and polyurethane (PU) matrix due to the chemical inertness of its surface. Thus, the surface activity of MAF should be improved to obtain a high-performance MAF/PU composite. A novel methodology to modify the surface of MAF with a sodium dichloroisocyanurate solution (DCCNa) was developed to obtain chlorinated MAF (MAFC) in this study. A series of MAFC/PU composites was prepared by in situ polymerization processes. The results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated that the chlorine-contained chemical groups were introduced onto the MAF surfaces after chlorination. Dynamic contact angle analysis (DCAA) revealed that the surface wettability and the surface free energy of the MAFC were significantly improved, which allowed for strong chemical bonding to PU. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a uniform distribution of MAFC and good interfacing bonding between the MAFC and PU. With the incorporation of 1.5 wt% MAFC into the polyurethane matrix, the tensile and tear strength values of MAFC/PU were 36.4 MPa and 80.1 kN·m⁻¹ respectively, corresponding to improvements of approximately 43.3% and 21.1%, as compared to those of virgin PU as 25.4 MPa and 66.1 kN·m⁻¹, respectively.

Air-Stable Polyphosphazene-Functionalized Few-Layer Black Phosphorene for Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resins

Similar to graphene, few-layer black phosphorus (BP) features thermal stability, mechanical properties, and characteristic dimension effects, which has potential as a new member of nanofillers for fabricating polymer nanocomposites. Herein, a cross-linked polyphosphazene-functionalized BP (BP-PZN) is developed with abundant -NH₂ groups via a one-pot polycondensation of 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene on the surface of BP nanosheets. Whereafter, the resulting BP-PZN is incorporated into epoxy resin (EP) to study the flame-retardant property and smoke suppression performance. Cone results show that the introduction of 2 wt% BP-PZN distinctly improves the flame-retardant property of EP, for instance, 59.4% decrease in peak heat release rate and 63.6% reduction in total heat release. The diffusion of pyrolysis products from EP during combustion is obviously suppressed after incorporating the BP-PZN nanosheets. Meanwhile, the EP/BP-PZN nanocomposites exhibit air stability after exposure to ambient conditions for four months. The air stability of the BP nanosheets in EP matrix is assigned to surface wrapping by PZN and embedded in the polymer matrix as dual protection. As a new member of the 2D nanomaterials, BP nanosheets have potential to be a new choice for fabricating high-performance nanocomposites.

Effect of Different Pressures on Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of F-III Fibers in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid

F-III fibers were treated at different pressures in supercritical carbon dioxide fluid and all samples including untreated and treated F-III fibers were characterized by a mechanical performance tester, wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering. By studying the relationship between mechanical performance and microstructural changes of the samples, it was found that microstructural change was the main cause of variation in mechanical performance. Results revealed that the maximum tensile strength and modulus of F-III fibers were acquired at 14 MPa within the pressure range of 8 MPa to 16 MPa when the temperature, tension and time were 250 °C, 6 g·d⁻¹ and 40 min, respectively. Correspondingly, the microstructures of the samples, including the phase fraction, crystal size, orientation factor, fibril radius, fibril length and misorientation angle, have been investigated. It was fortunate that the supercritical carbon dioxide fluid could be used as a medium during the hot-stretch process to improve the mechanical performance of F-III fibers, although the treatment temperature was lower than the glass transition temperature of the F-III fibers.

Fire safety enhancement of a highly efficient flame retardant poly(phenylphosphoryl phenylenediamine) in biodegradable poly(lactic acid)

Flame-retarded poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biodegradable materials are viewed as promising as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based commodity polymers. A new highly efficient flame retardant, poly(phenylphosphoryl phenylenediamine) (PPDA), was synthesized by the condensation of phenylphosphoryl dichloride with p-phenylenediamine and its structure was confirmed by ¹H nulear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. When 3 wt% PPDA was incorporated into PLA, the limited oxygen index increased from 20.0% of neat PLA to 25.5% and its UL-94 vertical burning testing achieved V-0 rating. Moreover, the total heat release and peak heat release rate values of PLA/3 wt% PPDA material were decreased from 109.1 MJ/m² and 643.7 kW/m² of PLA to 98.3 MJ/m² and 570.0 kW/m², respectively, and the fire performance index increased from 0.081 of PLA to 0.132 m² s/kW. The high fire safety of PPDA in PLA is mainly attributed to the combined effects of the phosphorous-containing radical inhibition and inert gases and the barrier action of the formed char layer. The addition of less than 3 wt% PPDA has little influence on the tensile and impact properties of PLA. The flame retardant PLA blends have great application potential in electrical casing, automobile interiors and three-dimensional printing materials.

Investigation of Flame Retardant Flexible Polyurethane Foams Containing DOPO Immobilized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

In this work, a multi-functional nanoparticle (TiO₂-KH570-DOPO) has been successfully synthesized through the attachment of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO)-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane on the surface of titanium dioxide (TiO₂). Supercritical carbon dioxide was used as the solvent in order to increase the grafting level. The chemical structure of TiO₂-KH570-DOPO was fully characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The modified TiO₂ was incorporated into flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF). The fire performance of FPUF blends was evaluated using microscale combustion calorimetry. Peak heat release rate and total heat release values were reduced from 657.0 W/g and 28.9 kJ/g for neat FPUF sample to 519.2 W/g and 26.8 kJ/g of FPUF specimen containing 10 wt % of TiO₂-KH570-DOPO. Analysis of thermal stability and the observation of char formation suggests that TiO₂-KH570-DOPO is active in the condensed phase.

Cu (II) coordination modification of aramid fiber and effect on interfacial adhesion of composites

In this article, active groups were introduced to the surface of aramid fiber by building a Cu2+ bridge between the aramid fiber and polyethyleneimine (PEI) to improve adhesion in composites between the aramid fiber and the matrix such as epoxy resin. The changes in the structure and properties of the aramid fiber were verified with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the single-fiber pull-out test. The FTIR and XPS results show a significant change in the structure and morphology of the aramid fiber after modification. The results of the single-fiber pull-out test show that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of epoxy composites reinforced with PEI-grafted aramid fiber increases by 48.8% compared with the IFSS of epoxy composites reinforced with untreated fiber. Thus, the proposed method can improve the interfacial bonding of composites by creating a copper ion bridge between the aramid fiber and PEI.

Construction of Hierarchical Natural Fabric Surface Structure Based on Two-Dimensional Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Its Application for Preparing Biobased Toughened Unsaturated Polyester Resin Composites

It has been a big challenge to prepare the unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) composites with good fire safety, interfacial quality, and impact strength in an environmentally friendly way. In this study, to improve interfacial performance of fabric-reinforced UPR composites, nontoxic two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets were assembled on the surface of ramie fabrics, where sodium alginate acts as a green dispersant to disperse h-BN sheets during the process. Then, the biobased phosphorus-containing toughening agent (PCTA) was synthesized to simultaneously improve the impact strength and fire safety of the composite. With application of h-BN nanosheets-assembled fabric (AF) and 20 wt % of PCTA, the AF/UPR@PCTA₂₀ composite presented the maximum 41.2% decrease in the value of peak heat release rate and a maximum 17.8% decrease in the value of total heat release, which also reached V-0 rating in the vertical burning test. Meanwhile, the AF/UPR@PCTA₂₀ composite showed an obvious increase in limiting oxygen index, from 24.0 to 29.5% compared with RF/UPR. The flame retardant mechanism was investigated from gas phase and condensed phase. Furthermore, compared to neat RF/UPR composite, the AF/UPR@PCTA₂₀ composite showed a significant 68.8% improvement in impact strength, implying an extreme toughening effect of PCTA on UPR composites. The research provides a viable green method for the development of environmentally friendly UPR composites in the future.

Synergistic effects of boron-doped silicone resin and a layered double hydroxide modified with sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate for enhancing the flame retardancy of polycarbonate

To improve the flame retardancy of polycarbonate (PC), a novel and environmentally friendly flame retardant was synthesized by combining boron-doped silicone resin (BSR) with a layered double hydroxide (LDH) modified with sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) which was denoted as DBS-LDH/BSR. The structure of the hybrid was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which indicated that BSR was successfully combined with DBS-LDH. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the reaction of BSR occurred only on the surface of DBS-LDH. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to further verify the combination of DBS-LDH with BSR. PC exhibited the optimum flame retardancy following the incorporation of 10 wt% DBS-LDH/BSR (5 wt% DBS-LDH and 5 wt% BSR). Based on thermogravimetric analysis, the char residue of this PC composite in air at 750 °C increased to 3.60 wt%. Mechanical test showed that the DBS-LDH/BSR could affect the mechanical properties after incorporation into PC. According to the UL-94 vertical burning test, the flame retardant rating of the PC composite improved to V-0. Furthermore, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the PC composite increased to 34%. According to the cone calorimeter test, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) dramatically decreased by 44%. The morphology of the PC composite after combustion was characterized by SEM, which revealed that the pores of the composite were smaller than those of pure PC. This result was attributed to the limited spread of oxygen and heat permeation. Thus, both DBS-LDH and BSR contributed to the synergistic effects of reducing the fire hazard of PC.

Boron-doped silicone resin (BSR) combined with a layered double hydroxide (LDH) modified with sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) to improve the flame retardancy of polycarbonate (PC).

Studying a novel AIE coating and its handling process via fluorescence spectrum

Study the existing state of TPE–EPOXY-1 polymer chains in good solution varied with its concentration.