Thermal degradation characteristics of flame retardant polylactide using TG-IR

A Bridge-Linked Phosphorus-Containing Flame Retardant for Endowing Vinyl Ester Resin with Low Fire Hazard

The high flammability of vinyl ester resin (VE) significantly limits its widespread application in the fields of electronics and aerospace. A new phosphorus-based flame retardant 6,6'-(1-phenylethane-1,2 diyl) bis (dibenzo[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphinine 6-oxide) (PBDOO), was synthesized using 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) and acetophenone. The synthesized PBDOO was further incorporated with VE to form the VE/PBDOO composites, which displayed an improved flame retardancy with higher thermal stability. The structure of PBDOO was investigated using Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonances (NMR). The thermal stability and flame retardancy of VE/PBDOO composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vertical burn test (UL-94), limiting oxygen index (LOI), and cone calorimetry. The impacts of PBDOO weight percentage (wt%) on the flame-retardant properties of the formed VE/PBDOO composites were also examined. When applying 15 wt% PBDOO, the formed VE composites can meet the UL-94 V-0 rating with a high LOI value of 31.5%. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) and the total heat release (THR) of VE loaded 15 wt% of PBDOO decreased by 76.71% and 40.63%, respectively, compared with that of untreated VE. In addition, the flame-retardant mechanism of PBDOO was proposed by analyzing pyrolysis behavior and residual carbon of VE/PBDOO composites. This work is expected to provide an efficient method to enhance the fire safety of VE.

Synergistic Enhancement of Flame Retardancy Behavior of Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polylactide Composites through Using Phosphorus-Based Flame Retardants and Chain Modifiers

Flame retardancy properties of neat PLA can be improved with different phosphorus-based flame retardants (FRs), however, developing flame retardant PLA-based engineering composites with maintained mechanical performance is still a challenge. This study proposes symbiosis approaches to enhance the flame retardancy behavior of polylactide (PLA) composites with 20 wt% short glass fibers (GF). This was first implemented by exploring the effects of various phosphorus-based FRs up to 5 wt% in neat PLA samples. Among the used phosphorus-based FRs, the use of only 3 wt% of diphosphoric acid-based FR (P/N), melamine coated ammonium polyphosphate (APPcoated), and APP with melamine synergist (APP/Mel) resulted in achieving the V0 value in a vertical burning test in the neat PLA samples. In addition to their superior efficiency in improving the flame retardancy of neat PLA, P/N had the least negative effect on the final mechanical performance of PLA samples. When incorporated in PLA composites with 20 wt% GF, however, even with the use of 30 wt% P/N, the V0 value could not be obtained due to the candlewick effect. To resolve this issue, the synergistic effect of P/N and aromatic polycarbodiimide (PCDI) cross-linker or Joncryl epoxy-based chain-extender (CE) on the flame retardancy characteristics of composites was examined. Due to the further chain modification, which also enhances the melt strength of PLA, the dripping of composites in the vertical burning test terminated and the V0 value could be reached when using only 1 wt% PCDI or CE. According to the scanning electron microscopic analysis, the use of noted chain modifiers further homogenized the distribution and refined the particle size of P/N within the PLA matrix. Hence this could synergistically contribute to the enhancements of the fire resistance performance of the PLA composites. Such incorporation of P/N and chain modifiers further leads to the enhancement of the mechanical performance of PLA composites and hence the resultant product can be proposed as a promising durable bioplastic engineering product where fire risk exists.

Development of multifunctional highly-efficient bio-based fire-retardant poly(lactic acid) composites for simultaneously improving thermal, crystallization and fire safety properties

Currently, it is still a huge challenge to prepare high performance eco-friendly poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with high thermal stability, good processability, excellent crystallization behavior, good transparency and highly-efficient fire safety. In this paper, a novel bio-based nucleation agent N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-P,P-diphenylphosphinic amide (FPPA) was prepared and used for the fabrication of fire safety PLA/FPPA composites. The chemical structure of FPPA was measured by FTIR, NMR and MS. Further, the crystallization behavior, thermal stability, fire safety and mechanical properties of PLA/FPPA composites were performed by TGA, DSC, polarization microscope, LOI, UL94, cone calorimeter, DMA and, SEM, Raman, GC-MS, and TGA-FTIR. The results showed that the multifunctional FPPA not only had a high thermal stability and was a good nucleation agent for PLA. Moreover, only loading of 3 wt% FPPA increased the LOI of PLA from 19.0 to 33.8 % with UL-94 V-0 classification. Furthermore, the heat release rate and total heat release values of PLA/3%FPPA composite reduced by 6.3 % and 15.3 % in cone-calorimeter test. Such high fire safety was mainly attributed to specific fire safety radicals due to thermal degradation of FPPA to interrupt composites burning in gas phase. Besides, transparency and mechanical properties were almost not changed because of low loading of FPPA in PLA. This multifunctional bio-based fire-retardant for PLA with good comprehensive performance promises broad application in engineering electronics, automobiles, 3D printing and construction materials.

Glomalin-related soil protein: The particle aggregation mechanism and its insight into coastal environment improvement

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), a ubiquitous microbial product, plays a crucial role in particle aggregation and metal adsorption, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, GRSP fraction was extracted from estuarine ecosystems and systematically characterized to elucidate the aggregation mechanisms and its impact on coastal environment improvement. We found that GRSP fraction (gravimetric mass of extracted GRSP, 5.1-24.3 mg g^-1) was a globally relevant novel bioflocculant and that protein (linked to Bradford protein assay, 1.64-4.37 mg g^-1) was the active flocculant constituent. The zeta potential, FTIR, XPS, and ¹³C NMR analyses identified its key constituents and structure, and revealed that the charge neutralization and bridging were GRSP fraction aggregation mechanisms. Thermogravimetric-infrared spectrometry analysis showed that GRSP fraction was highly thermostable, and the main volatile pyrolysis products included H₂O, CO₂, CO, and CH₄. The SEM-EDX and XPS Fe valence spectroscopy suggested that GRSP fraction contained rich Fe (11.91 ± 0.48%) and could form Fe-rich flocs with particles. We also found that GRSP fraction has a high adsorption capacity (76-95%) for Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd, and its flocculation properties provide new insights into metal adsorption. The analysis of particle aggregation mechanism and its metal adsorption capacity is of great significance to elucidate the role of GRSP fraction in coastal environment improvement.

One-step bulk fabrication of a CaO/carbon heterogeneous catalyst from calcium citrate for rapid synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) by transesterification of ethylene carbonate (EC)

Providing a simpler, more economical and more innovative method for rapid preparation of carbon-based inorganic nanoparticles.

DOPO-Functionalized Molybdenum Disulfide and its Impact on the Thermal Properties of Polyethylene and Poly(Lactic Acid) Composites

The fabrication of conventional or biodegradable polymers with improved thermal and fire-resistant properties is an important task for their successful application in various branches of the industry. In this work, few-layered molybdenum disulfide was functionalized with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide and introduced into polyethylene and poly(lactic acid) matrixes. The obtained polyethylene composite samples displayed improved thermal stability, significant reduction in CO emissions, improved fire-resistant properties, and over 100% increases in thermal conductivity. Poly(lactic acid) composites displayed less impressive results, but have managed to improve some values, such as CO emissions, peak heat release rate, and total heat release in comparison to pristine polymer.

Aromatic vs. Aliphatic Hyperbranched Polyphosphoesters as Flame Retardants in Epoxy Resins

The current trend for future flame retardants (FRs) goes to novel efficient halogen-free materials, due to the ban of several halogenated FRs. Among the most promising alternatives are phosphorus-based FRs, and of those, polymeric materials with complex shape have been recently reported. Herein, we present novel halogen-free aromatic and aliphatic hyperbranched polyphosphoesters (hbPPEs), which were synthesized by olefin metathesis polymerization and investigated them as a FR in epoxy resins. We compare their efficiency (aliphatic vs. aromatic) and further assess the differences between the monomeric compounds and the hbPPEs. The decomposition and vaporizing behavior of a compound is an important factor in its flame-retardant behavior, but also the interaction with the pyrolyzing matrix has a significant influence on the performance. Therefore, the challenge in designing a FR is to optimize the chemical structure and its decomposition pathway to the matrix, with regards to time and temperature. This behavior becomes obvious in this study, and explains the superior gas phase activity of the aliphatic FRs.

Smoke suppression properties of Si-Al mesoporous structure on medium density fiberboard

In this article, smoke suppression of Si-Al mesoporous structure on medium density fiberboard (MDF) was investigated by cone calorimeter test (CCT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The CCT results show that the Si-Al mesoporous structure can effectively decrease heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR), smoke production rate (SPR), total smoke production (TSP), smoke rate (SR), CO and CO₂ concentration, etc. Particularly, the SR curves of MDF present that Si-Al mesoporous structure are considered to be a filter, which can net the solid particles and volatile flammable components in the smoke and fix onto wood fiber. Remarkably, the CO and CO₂ concentration curves of MDF indicate that the Si-Al mesoporous structure has an excellent adsorption property, which can rapidly absorb CO and CO₂ that generated in wood combustion process. On the other hand, the FTIR and TGA results reveal that the Si-Al mesoporous structure can significantly improve the structure of char residue.

Synthesis of DOPO-HQ-functionalized graphene oxide as a novel and efficient flame retardant and its application on polylactic acid: Thermal property, flame retardancy, and mechanical performance

The fabrication of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites with improved flame retardancy has been an urgent task in practical because of the huge benefits of biodegradable polymers. In this work, 10-(2,5-dihydroxyl phenyl)-9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO-HQ)-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) (FGO-HQ) was used as a novel and highly efficient flame retardant (FR) to improve the flame retardancy of polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites. Contributed by the bi-phase flame retardant action, including the physical barrier char in solid phase and the decreased flammable volatiles in gas phase, the resultant PLA/FGO-HQ nanocomposites presented excellent flame resistance at the loading of 6 wt% FR: UL-94 reached V-0 rating; peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) decreased by 24.0% and 43.0%, respectively; smoke production rate (SPR) and total smoke release (TSR) decreased by 46% and 83%, respectively. For further confirming its flame-resistance mechanism, thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG-IR) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy were employed. Results indicated that the incorporation of FGO-HQ can effectively reduce the evaporation of flammable gaseous product in gas phase through quenching free radicals. Meanwhile, graphitized carbons are formed in the residual char and PLA/FGO-HQ sample can achieve a good thermal stability in the combustion with phosphorus-containing compounds and aromatic structure in the solid phase. Furthermore, the tensile strength of PLA nanocomposites presented good mechanical properties with the addition of FR as well. These results suggested that the incorporation of FGO-HQ FR not only improve the flame retardancy and thermal stability of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites but also without sacrificing their mechanical properties.

Renewable vanillin based flame retardant for poly(lactic acid): a way to enhance flame retardancy and toughness simultaneously

A bio-based PLA composite with excellent fire performance, improved toughness and good processability.

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

The application of fibers is more and more extensive, and the pollution caused by abandoned fibers is getting more serious, which has aroused wide attention. So it is necessary to find a way to solve the problem. In this paper, the para-aramid fiber (AF) was recycled and modified by phosphoric acid, and then was applied as environmental friendly flame retardant for thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU). The flame retardant properties of TPU were tested using cone calorimeter test (CCT) and thermogravimetric/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-IR). The CCT test showed that AF-P had better flame retardant effect on TPU than pure AF. Remarkably, the pHRR value for the sample with 1.00wt% content of AF-P was decreased by 48.1%; AF-P had improved the char forming progress and the residual mass was 30.6%, which was much more than pure TPU. TG test showed that AF-P could improve the thermal stability of TPU at high temperature. The TG-IR test revealed that AF-P had reduced the release of CO₂ at the beginning. Based on the above results, it will make a great influence on the study of reuse of fibers and environmental friendly flame retardant of polymer.

Fire safety improvement of para-aramid fiber in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer

This article mainly studied fire safety effects of para-aramid fiber (AF) in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The TPU/AF composites were prepared by molten blending method, and then the fire safety effects of all TPU composites were tested using cone calorimeter test (CCT), microscale combustion colorimeter test (MCC), smoke density test (SDT), and thermogravimetric/fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-IR). The CCT test showed that AF could improve the fire safety of TPU. Remarkably, the peak value of heat release rate (pHRR) and the peak value of smoke production rate (pSPR) for the sample with 1.0wt% content of AF were decreased by 52.0% and 40.5% compared with pure TPU, respectively. The MCC test showed that the HRR value of AF-2 decreased by 27.6% compared with pure TPU. TG test showed that AF promoted the char formation in the degradation process of TPU; as a result the residual carbon was increased. The TG-IR test revealed that AF had increased the thermal stability of TPU at the beginning and reduced the release of CO₂ with the decomposition going on. Through the analysis of the results of this experiment, it will make a great influence on the study of the para-aramid fiber in the aspect of fire safety of polymer.

Study on thermal degradation and combustion behavior of flame retardant unsaturated polyester resin modified with a reactive phosphorus containing monomer

A halogen-free phosphorus-containing monomer (TAOPO) was successfully synthesized and used as a co-curing agent to prepare intrinsic flame-retardant unsaturated polyester resin (FR-UPR) by radical bulk polymerization with different TAOPO content.

In situ synthesis of flame retardant organic–inorganic hybrids by a molten blending method based on thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and polybutyl titanate

A novel type of organic–inorganic hybrid prepared using an in situ synthesis method by molten blending polybutyl titanate (BTP) and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) is reported.

Multifunctional cyclotriphosphazene/hexagonal boron nitride hybrids and their flame retarding bismaleimide resins with high thermal conductivity and thermal stability

A novel hybridized multifunctional filler (CPBN), cyclotriphosphazene/hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) hybrid, was synthesized by chemically coating hBN with hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and p-phenylenediamine, its structure was systemically characterized. Besides, CPBN was used to develop new flame retarding bismaleimide/o,o'-diallylbisphenol A (BD) resins with simultaneously high thermal conductivity and thermal stability. The nature of CPBN has a strong influence on the flame behavior of the composites. With the addition of only 5 wt % CPBN to BD resin, the thermal conductivity increases 2 times; meanwhile the flame retardancy of BD resin is remarkably increased, reflected by the increased limited oxygen index, much longer time to ignition, significantly reduced heat release rate. The thermogravimetric kinetics, structures of chars and pyrolysis gases, and cone calorimeter tests were investigated to reveal the unique flame retarding mechanism of CPBN/BD composites. CPBN provides multieffects on improving the flame retardancy, especially in forming a protective char layer, which means a more thermally stable and condensed barrier for heat and mass transfer, and thus protecting the resin from further combustion.

Synthesis and characterization of ternary copolyimides derived from aromatic dianhydride and aromatic diisocyanates

A series of polyimide (PI) copolymers were synthesized via a one-step polycondensation procedure from benzophenone-3,3′,4,4′-tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and 4,4′-methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) with various mole ratios of TDI and MDI ranging from 70:30 to 100:0. The inherent viscosities of the resulting PIs were in the range of 0.51–0.80 dL g−1. The prepared PIs showed good solubility in common organic as well as in less polar solvents. All copolymers afforded tough and flexible films that had good thermal stability with glass transition temperature of 308–325°C and the temperatures of 5% weight loss in air and nitrogen being 420 and 460°C, respectively. The resultant PI films with thickness about 15 μm exhibited high transparency (>88%) in visible region (400–700 nm). Also, the cured PI films possessed good mechanical properties with tensile strength of 60.52–69.31 MPa and tensile modulus of 0.98–1.30 GPa.