Impact of a Novel Phosphoramide Flame Retardant on the Fire Behavior and Transparency of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers

In many application fields of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), excellent flame retardancy and transparency are required. However, higher flame retardancy is often at the expense of transparency. It is difficult to achieve high flame retardancy while maintaining the transparency of TPU. In this work, a kind of TPU composite with good flame retardancy and light transmittance was obtained by adding a new synthetic flame retardant named DCPCD, which was synthesized by the reaction of diethylenetriamine and diphenyl phosphorochloridate. Experimental results showed that 6.0 wt % DCPCD endowed TPU with a limiting oxygen index value of 27.3%, passing the UL 94 V-0 rating in the vertical burning test. The cone calorimeter test results showed that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of the TPU composite was dramatically reduced from 1292 kW/m² (pure TPU) to 514 kW/m² by adding only 1 wt % DCPCD. With the increase of DCPCD contents, the PHRR and total heat release gradually decreased, and the char residue gradually increased. More importantly, the addition of DCPCD has little effect on the transparency and haze of TPU composites. In addition, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were carried out to investigate the morphology and composition of the char residue for TPU/DCPCD composites and explore the flame retardant mechanism of DCPCD in TPU.

Investigation of the Flame Retardant Properties of High-Strength Microcellular Flame Retardant/Polyurethane Composite Elastomers

Flame retardants (FRs) often reduce the mechanical properties of polymer materials, and FR/microcellular polyurethane elastomer (MPUE) composite materials have not been systemically studied. Hence, we conducted this study on FR/MPUE composites by using multiple liquid FRs and/or expandable graphite (EG). Compared with liquid flame retardants, the LOI of an expandable graphite/dimethyl methylphosphonate (EG/DMMP) (3:1) combination was significantly increased (~36.1%), and the vertical combustion grade reached V-0 without a dripping phenomenon. However, the corresponding tensile strength was decreased by 17.5%. With the incorporation of EG alone, although the corresponding LOI was not a match with that of DMMP/EG, there was no droplet phenomenon. In addition, even with 15 wt% of EG, there was no significant decline in the tensile strength. Cone calorimeter test results showed that PHRR, THR, PSPR, and TSR were significantly reduced, compared to the neat MPUE, when the EG content surpassed 10 wt%. The combustion process became more stable and thus the fire risk was highly reduced. It was found that flame retardancy and mechanical properties could be well balanced by adding EG alone. Our proposed strategy for synthesizing FR/MPUE composites with excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties was easy, effective, low-cost and universal, which could have great practical significance in expanding the potential application fields of MPUEs.

Fused deposition modelling for the development of drug loaded cardiovascular prosthesis

Cardiovascular diseases constitute a number of conditions which are the leading cause of death globally. To combat these diseases and improve the quality and duration of life, several cardiac implants have been developed, including stents, vascular grafts and valvular prostheses. The implantation of these vascular prosthesis has associated risks such as infection or blood clot formation. In order to overcome these limitations medicated vascular prosthesis have been previously used. The present paper describes a 3D printing method to develop medicated vascular prosthesis using fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology. For this purpose, rifampicin (RIF) was selected as a model molecule as it can be used to prevent vascular graft prosthesis infection. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and RIF were combined using hot melt extrusion (HME) to obtain filaments containing RIF concentrations ranging between 0 and 1% (w/w). These materials are capable of providing RIF release for periods ranging between 30 and 80 days. Moreover, TPU-based materials containing RIF were capable of inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. This behaviour was observed even for TPU-based materials containing RIF concentrations of 0.1% (w/w). TPU containing 1% (w/w) of RIF showed antimicrobial properties even after 30 days of RIF release. Alternatively, these methods were used to prepare dipyridamole containing TPU filaments. Finally, using a dual extrusion 3D printer vascular grafts containing both drugs were prepared.

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.

3D Printing of Drug-Loaded Thermoplastic Polyurethane Meshes: A Potential Material for Soft Tissue Reinforcement in Vaginal Surgery

Current strategies to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI), include the surgical implantation of vaginal meshes. Recently, there have been multiple reports of issues generated by these meshes conventionally made of poly(propylene). This material is not the ideal candidate, due to its mechanical properties leading to complications such as chronic pain and infection. In the present manuscript, we propose the use of an alternative material, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), loaded with an antibiotic in combination with fused deposition modelling (FDM) to prepare safer vaginal meshes. For this purpose, TPU filaments containing levofloxacin (LFX) in various concentrations (e.g., 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) were produced by extrusion. These filaments were used to 3D print vaginal meshes. The printed meshes were fully characterized through different tests/analyses such as fracture force studies, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT), release studies and microbiology testing. The results showed that LFX was uniformly distributed within the TPU matrix, regardless the concentration loaded. The mechanical properties showed that poly(propylene) (PP) is a tougher material with a lower elasticity than TPU, which seemed to be a more suitable material due to its elasticity. In addition, the printed meshes showed a significant bacteriostatic activity on both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cultures, minimising the risk of infection after implanting them. Therefore, the incorporation of LFX to the TPU matrix can be used to prepare anti-infective vaginal meshes with enhanced mechanical properties compared with current PP vaginal meshes.

Fused Deposition Modeling as an Effective Tool for Anti-Infective Dialysis Catheter Fabrication

Catheter-associated infections are a common complication that occurs in dialysis patients. Current strategies to prevent infection include catheter coatings containing heparin, pyrogallol, or silver nanoparticles, which all have an increased risk of causing resistance in bacteria. Therefore, a novel approach for manufacture, such as the use of additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is required. Filaments were produced by extrusion using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) in various concentrations (e.g., 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1%). The extruded filaments were used in a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer to print catheter constructs at varying concentrations. Release studies in phosphate-buffered saline, microbiology studies, thermal analysis, contact angle, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray microcomputer tomography (μCT) analysis were conducted on the printed catheters. The results suggested that TC was uniformly distributed within the TPU matrix. The microbiology testing of the catheters showed that devices containing TC had an inhibitory effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 10788 bacteria. Catheters containing 1% TC maintained inhibitory effect after 10 day release studies. After an initial burst release in the first 24 h, there was a steady release of TC in all concentrations of catheters. 3D-printed antibiotic catheters were successfully printed with inhibitory effect on S. aureus bacteria. Finally, TC containing catheters showed resistance to S. aureus adherence to their surfaces when compared with catheters containing no TC. Catheters containing 1% of TC showed a bacterial adherence reduction of up to 99.97%. Accordingly, the incorporation of TC to TPU materials can be effectively used to prepare anti-infective catheters using FDM. This study highlights the potential for drug-impregnated medical devices to be created through AM.

Salen Complexes as Fire Protective Agents for Thermoplastic Polyurethane: Deep Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Investigation

The contribution of copper complexes of salen-based Schiff bases N, N'-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine (C1), N, N'-bis(4-hydroxysalicylidene)ethylenediamine (C2), and N, N'-bis(5-hydroxysalicylidene)ethylenediamine (C3) to the flame retardancy of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is investigated in the context of minimizing the inherent flammability of TPU. Thermal and fire properties of TPU are evaluated. It is observed that fire performances vary depending upon the substitution of the salen framework. Cone calorimetry [mass loss calorimetry (MLC)] results show that, in TPU at 10 wt % loading, C2 and C3 reduce the peak of heat release rate by 46 and 50%, respectively. At high temperature, these copper complexes undergo polycondensation leading to resorcinol-type resin in the condensed phase and thus acting as intumescence reinforcing agents. C3 in TPU is particularly interesting because it delays significantly the time to ignition (MLC experiment). In addition, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry shows reduction in the heat release rate curve, suggesting its involvement in gas-phase action. Structural changes of copper complexes and radical formation during thermal treatment as well as their influence on fire retardancy of TPU in the condensed phase are investigated by spectroscopic studies supported by microscopic and powder diffraction studies. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was fully used to follow the redox changes of Cu(II) ions as well as radical formation of copper complexes/TPU formulations in their degradation pathways. Pulsed EPR technique of hyperfine sublevel correlation spectroscopy reveals evolution of the local surrounding of copper and radicals with a strong contribution of nitrogen fragments in the degradation products. Further, the spin state of radicals was investigated by the two-dimensional technique of phase-inverted echo-amplitude detected nutation experiment. Two different radicals were detected, that is, one monocarbon radical and an oxygen biradical. Thus, the EPR study permits to deeply investigate the mode of action of copper salen complexes in TPU.

Recyclable imidazolium ion-tagged nickel catalyst for microwave-assisted C–S cross-coupling in water using sulfonyl hydrazide as the sulfur source

Recyclable nickel(ii) catalyst promoted sulfenylation of aryl halides with sulfonyl hydrazides in water using microwave irradiation under mild conditions is reported.

Thermal Stability and Fire Properties of Salen and Metallosalens as Fire Retardants in Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

This study deals with the synthesis and evaluation of salen based derivatives as fire retardants in thermoplastic polyurethane. Salens, hydroxysalens and their first row transition metal complexes (salen-M) were synthesized (Copper, Manganese, Nickel and Zinc). They were then incorporated in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a loading as low as 10:1 weight ratio. The thermal stability as well as the fire properties of the formulations were evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that different coordination metals on the salen could induce different decomposition pathways when mixed with TPU. The Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry (PCFC) results showed that some M-salen have the ability to significantly decrease the peak heat release rate (−61% compared to neat TPU) and total heat released (−63% compared to neat TPU) when formulated at 10:1 wt % ratio in TPU. Mass Loss Cone Calorimetry (MLC) results have shown that some additives (salen-Cu and salen-Mn) exhibit very promising performance and they are good candidates as flame-retardants for TPU.

Preparation of Schiff base decorated graphene oxide and its application in TPU with enhanced thermal stability

A facile in situ method of synthesis and immobilization of a copper(salen) complex onto graphene oxide (GO) support has been developed.