Novel synthesis of renewable and green flame-retardant, antibacterial and reinforcement material for styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

Novel and facile method was developed for synthesis of cost-effective, green and smart flame-retardant material. Rice husk silica nanoparticles of an average size of 150 nm were prepared and coated with organic green molokhia extract. The developed nanomaterial was used as effective flame-retardant, reinforcement and antibacterial material for styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposite. The thermal stability of the developed nanocomposite was enhanced by 55 °C. The flame retardancy properties of the new nanocomposites was improved and achieved 31 and 33% reduction in peak heat release rate and average heat release rate, respectively, compared to blank sample. This is in conjunction with significant reduction in average effective heat of combustion (57%) with high fire safety rank. Additionally, significant suppression of emission of CO2 and CO gases by 60% was achieved. The tensile strength of the smart nanocomposite was improved by 80% compared to blank rubber. The smart rubber nanocomposites achieved excellent inhibition for bacterial growth recorded 11.5 mm as inhibition zone compared to blank sample. This study opens new avenues for production of green, renewable and cost-effective reinforcement, flame-retardant and antibacterial material for various types of polymer and rubber nanocomposites for a variety of medical and industrial applications.