Excellent Fire Retardant Properties of CNF/VMT Based LBL Coatings Deposited on Polypropylene and Wood-Ply

Evaluation of a Hydrophobic Coating Agent Based on Cellulose Nanofiber and Alkyl Ketone Dimer

In this study, we report on the development and testing of hydrophobic coatings using cellulose fibers. The developed hydrophobic coating agent secured hydrophobic performance over 120°. In addition, a pencil hardness test, rapid chloride ion penetration test, and carbonation test were conducted, and it was confirmed that concrete durability could be improved. We believe that this study will promote the research and development of hydrophobic coatings in the future.

N-Containing Hybrid Composites Coatings for Enhanced Fire-Retardant Properties of Cotton Fabric Using One-Pot Sol-Gel Process

In this report, a unique methodology/process steps were followed using Sol-gel-based concept to deposit thin flame-retardant coatings on cotton fabric. Surface microstructure and compositional analysis of the coated cotton were carried out using scanning electronic microscope (SEM), which explored significant coverage of the fabric. The obtained samples were further analyzed through rupturing mechanism test and color check. Compositional investigation of the coated samples was carried through Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and energy-dispersive X-rays spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Thermal analyses were carried out through Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Vertical flame tests (VFT), which suggested higher resistance of the coatings obtained for 5 h and zero heat-treatment time on the cotton fabric. A 28.86% char residue was obtained for the same sample (ET-5h-RT) coupled with higher degradation temperature and excellent combustion properties.

Fire Resistance Evaluation of New Wooden Composites Containing Waste Rubber from Automobiles

Particleboards containing waste rubber (tires and mixtures of isolators and carpets) filler were evaluated from the point of view of its flammability. The assessment of the utilization of these composites in the construction industry was analyzed through the determination of their spontaneous ignition temperatures, mass burning rate and calorific value. Based on the results of spontaneous ignition temperatures, similar values between particleboards and particleboards containing 10%, 15% and 20% of waste tires were obtained. The average time was from 298 s to 309 s and the average temperature was from 428.1 °C to 431.7 °C. For the mass burning rate, there were similar results between particleboards and particleboards containing 10% of waste tires and waste rubber. The time to initiation was 34 s and the time to reaching a maximal burning rate was from 66 s to 68 s. The calorimetry results showed similar properties for the calorimetric value and ash content in particleboards and particleboards containing 10% of waste tires and waste rubber. The calorific value was from 18.4 MJ·kg^-1 to 19.7 MJ·kg^-1 and the ash content from 0.5% to 2.9%.

Macro and micro thermal investigation of nanoarchitectonics-based coatings on cotton fabric using new quaternized starch

Implementation of a new cationizing reagent and its incorporation onto the backbone of starch was performed successfully, confirmed from the remarkable micro- and macro anti-flammable properties. The morphologies and localized compositional analysis of the modified starch-based LBL coatings on the cotton surface were carried out using LV-SEM and EDX: highly uniform coating layers and uptake of solution species for intermediate implant reagent concentrations were confirmed. The subject samples were further analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microcombustion experiments (MCC), flame testing (VFT) and afterburn measurements. The peak range of the degradation was highly improved from the lower range to the higher range (329.92–394.48 °C), together with significant mass residue for TBAB-0.7–17.02%. Moreover, a significant decrease in the absolute heat loss (THR ∼ 30%), heat dissipation competence (HRC ∼ 27.86%), and peak heat output (PHRR ∼ 23%) was achieved for a TBAB loading of ∼0.7 g. The results were further confirmed from the increase in the limiting oxygen index (LOI) to a higher rate of ∼23.2, improved structural integrity and higher quality of char obtained in the VFT and after-burn analysis.

Schematic diagram of the cationization of starch, LBL layering and resistance against flame.

Innovative Polyelectrolyte Treatment to Flame-Retard Wood

Fire protection has been a major challenge in wood construction for many years, mainly due to the high flame spread risk associated with wood flooring. Wood fire-retardancy is framed by two main axes: coating and bulk impregnation. There is a growing need for economically and environmentally friendly alternatives. The study of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) for wood substrates is in its infancy, but PECs’ versatility and eco-friendly character are already recognized for fabric fire-retardancy fabrics. In this study, a new approach to PEC characterization is proposed. First, PECs, which consist of polyethyleneimine and sodium phytate, were chemically and thermally characterized to select the most promising systems. Then, yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) was surface-impregnated under reduced pressure with the two PECs identified as the best options. Overall, wood fire-retardancy was improved with a low weight gain of 2 wt.% without increasing water uptake.