Synergistic effects of Al/Si double oxide on flame-retardant and smoke-suppressant wooden materials

Abstract

Wooden materials have many advantages, but they easily burn and release CO, CO2, and harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pose threats to health and safety. This work adopted a low-cost method, using environmentally friendly silicate (Na2SiO3), aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3), and water-borne epoxy resin to prepare composite poplar wood (Al–Si-EPW), which synergistic displayed flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and self-extinguishing characteristics. The time of peak heat release rate (HRR) and peak smoke production rate (SPR) of Al–Si-EPWwere 340 s and 315 s, which were delayed by about 105 s and 100 s compared with untreated wood (UW), respectively. This provides more security for controlling the fire spread and evacuating people. The peak value of heat release rate and smoke production of Al–Si-EPW decreased by 39.04% and 34.68%, and the peak CO2 production (CO2P) and CO production (COP) were reduced by 69.75% and 74.74%. Moreover, the main category and the amount of VOCs released during the combustion process decreased significantly. With the increase in aluminum sulfate dosage, it showed better flame retardant and smoke suppression effects. This indicated that Al–Si-EPW only released a small amount of toxic smoke, greatly reducing the possibility of suffocation and damage. Therefore, this material can be widely used as a flame-retardant wood building material.