Efficient Flame Retardant Research Articles

A system with efficient flame retardant and antibacterial properties for the development of exceptional durable functional cotton fabrics

Phosphorus-based flame retardants are widely employed in the study of flame retardancy for cotton fabrics due to their halogen-free nature and high efficiency. The addition of nitrogen and other elements can further enhance flame retardant properties through synergistic effects. However, the synthesis of flame-retardant multifunctional additives based on phosphoramidic ammonium salts has been scarcely reported. In this study, a halogen-free and formaldehyde-free phosphoramidite ammonium salt was synthesized as a synergistic flame retardant multifunctional additive. This compound, with phosphorus as the primary flame retardant element and a nitrogen-containing guanidine group, was used to modify cotton fabrics. The treated fabrics exhibited enhanced flame retardant and antibacterial properties. Notably, cotton fabrics treated with a 17.9 % weight gain showed a damaged length of 4 cm in the vertical flame test, and the LOI value increased to 41.5 %, remaining at 27.3 % even after 50 washing cycles. The results of the cone calorimeter test (CCT) revealed that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of treated cotton were 30.35 kW/m2 and 5.46 MJ/m2, respectively, representing reductions of 87.04 % and 36.07 % compared to untreated cotton. Physical performance tests indicated only a slight decrease in the strength and whiteness of the cotton fabrics, while softness increased after treatment. Moreover, the treated cotton fabric exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, with antibacterial rates of 99.26 % against E. coli and 98.54 % against S. aureus.

Construction of highly efficient flame retardant cellulose nanofibrils/bamboo activated charcoal based composite aerogel sheet for excellent PM2.5 removal

Developing biomass air filter materials with efficient filtration for particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and low pressure drop is a great challenge. Targeting this issue, cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were employed as the skeleton materials mixing with bamboo activated charcoal (BAC), polyethyleneimine (PEI), and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as the functional fillers, followed by freeze-drying and hydrophobic modification to prepare CNF/BAC based composite aerogel sheet for capture for PM2.5. The resulting aerogel sheet showed good filtration efficiency for PM2.5 (98.64 %), which benefited from the three-dimensional network structure from CNFs and PEI and electrostatic adsorption of both BAC and APP with negative charge. After reusing for 5 times, the filtration efficiency of the system could still maintain at 95.88 %. In addition, the introduced both APP and PEI made the system have excellent flame retardant through the synergistic effect of nitrogen and phosphorus. In view of excellent properties and simple preparation, this work supplies a promising way to prepare multifunctional biomass air filter.

Effect of different IFS (MWCNTs, BN, and ZnO) on flame retardant, thermal and mechanical properties of PA6/aluminum diisobutyl phosphinate composites

AbstractIn this paper, the effects of the synergistic flame retardation of aluminum diisobutyl phosphinate acid (APBA) with three inorganic fillers of different dimensions (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes [MWCNTs] [1‐dimensional], hexagonal boron nitride [BN] [2‐dimensional], and zinc oxide [ZnO] [3‐dimensional]), respectively, on the properties of nylon 6 (polyamide 6 [PA6]) materials were investigated. It was shown that under the same additive amount, with the increase of spatial dimension of inorganic fillers, the thermal stability and residual carbon capacity were improved. Which would catalyze the formation of more and denser carbon layers in the matrix material, effectively blocked the transfer of oxygen and heat, enhanced the cohesive‐phase flame retardancy of synergistic flame‐retardant PA6 composites, and exerted a better synergistic flame‐retardant effect with APBA. So that the flame‐retardant properties of PA6 composites were gradually improved, and the mechanical properties were also gradually increased. The comprehensive performance of three types of inorganic fillers gradually improves in the order of MWCNTs < BN < ZnO. When the addition amount of ZnO was 2 wt%, the vertical combustion grade (UL‐94) of PA6 composite was V‐0, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) was as high as 36.5%. The tensile strain increased by 19.11% and impact strength increased by 20.26% compared with PA6, and PA6/APBA‐Zn can be used as a flame retardant PA6 composite material with balanced overall performance.Highlights Diisobutylaluminium hypophosphite and inorganic fillers have efficient synergistic flame retardant effects in PA6. With the increase of spatial dimension of inorganic fillers, the better the synergistic flame retardant effect in PA6. The flame retardant can degrade to release the phosphorous free radicals. Inorganic fillers can cross‐link with the PA6 substrate and promote the charring.

Synthesis of a tris(DOPO-grafted piperazine)-triazine phosphoramide and its application as a highly efficient flame retardant for epoxy resins

Synthesis of a tris(DOPO-grafted piperazine)-triazine phosphoramide and its application as a highly efficient flame retardant for epoxy resins

Recent Progress in Thermoplastic Polyurethane/MXene Nanocomposites: Preparation, Flame-Retardant Properties and Applications.

MXene, a promising two-dimensional nanomaterial, exhibits significant potential across various applications due to its multilayered structure, metal-like conductivity, solution processability, and surface functionalization capabilities. These remarkable properties facilitate the integration of MXenes and MXene-based materials into high-performance polymer composites. Regarding this, a comprehensive and well-structured up-to-date review is essential to provide an in-depth understanding of MXene/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites. This review discusses various synthetic and modification methods of MXenes, current research progress and future potential on MXene/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites, existing knowledge gaps, and further development. The main focus is on discussing strategies for modifying MXene-based compounds and their flame-retardant efficiency, with particular emphasis on understanding their mechanisms within the TPU matrix. Ultimately, this review addresses current challenges and suggests future directions for the practical utilization of these materials.

Synergistic Effects of Titanium-Based MOFs MIL-125 with Intumescent Flame Retardants in ABS Polymer Composites on Flame Retardancy Study

The intumescent flame retardant (IFR) technique is an alternative to halogen-based flame retardants for reducing fire hazards in polymers. However, IFR has drawbacks like unsatisfactory flame-retardant efficiency and high loading requirements. In this study, MIL-125 (Ti-based metal–organic framework) is added to ABS/IFR composites to improve flame retardancy and reduce smoke emissions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicate that combining ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and expandable graphite (EG) increases charred residue and slows mass loss compared with the original ABS resin. The ABS/IFR/MIL-125 system stabilizes the char layer, serving as a protective shield against combustible gases during combustion. Additionally, MIL-125 enhances performance in microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) flammability testing. In fire tests (UL-94, limiting oxygen index (LOI), and cone calorimeter), the ABS/IFR/MIL-125 system achieves a UL-94 V0 rating and the highest LOI value of 31.5% ± 0.1%. Peak heat lease rate (PHRR) values in the cone calorimeter are reduced by 72% with 20 wt.% of additives, and smoke production decreases by 53% compared with neat ABS. These results demonstrate the efficient synergistic effects of MIL-125 and IFR additives in improving the formation and stability of the intumescent char layer, thereby protecting ABS from intense burning.

Ultrarobust, Self-Healing Poly(urethane-urea) Elastomer with Superior Tensile Strength and Intrinsic Flame Retardancy Enabled by Coordination Cross-Linking.

Poly(urethane-urea) elastomers (PUUEs) have gained significant attention recently due to their growing demand in electronic skin, wearable electronic devices, and aerospace applications. The practical implementation of these elastomers necessitates many exceptional properties to ensure robust and safe utilization. However, achieving an optimal balance between high mechanical strength, good self-healing at moderate temperatures, and efficient flame retardancy for poly(urethane-urea) elastomers remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we incorporated metal coordination bonds and flame-retarding phosphinate groups into the design of poly(urethane-urea) simultaneously, resulting in a high-strength, self-healing, and flame-retardant elastomer, termed PNPU-2%Zn. Additional supramolecular cross-links and plasticizing effects of phosphinate-endowed PUUEs with relatively remarkable tensile strength (20.9 MPa), high elastic modulus (10.8 MPa), and exceptional self-healing efficiency (above 97%). Besides, PNPU-2%Zn possessed self-extinguishing characteristics with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 26.5%. Such an elastomer with superior properties can resist both mechanical fracture and fire hazards, providing insights into the development of robust and high-performance components for applications in wearable electronic devices.

Cellulose Nanofiber-Based Nanocomposite Films with Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Fire-Resistant Performance.

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has been widely used as a flexible and lightweight polymer matrix for electromagnetic shielding and thermally conductive composite films because of its excellent mechanical strength, environmental performance, and low cost. However, the lack of flame retardancy seriously hinders its further application. Herein, renewable and biomass-sourced l-arginine (AR) was used to surface-modify ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and an environmentally friendly biobased flame retardant was synthesized by the coordination of zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O), which was named AAZ. AAZ was deposited on the surface of CNF by electrostatic adsorption and Zn2+ complexation. The biobased compatibilizer Triton X-100 was employed to assist the exfoliation of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and their dispersion in the CNF matrix. Due to the formation of a dense lamellar layer resembling a shell structure, the CNF/GNPs composite films with a tensile strength of 52 MPa were obtained via vacuum-assisted filtration. Because the phosphorus-containing group produces a protective layer of PxOy compound and promotes the formation of a carbon layer by CNF and the combustion releases ammonia gas, the fire-resistant performance of the composite films was greatly improved. Compared with the pure CNF film, the composite film exhibits 33% reduction in PHRR value and 40% reduction in THR. In addition, the CNF/GNPs composite film with 20 wt % GNPs possessed high conductivity (2079.2 S/m) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (37 dB). The ultrathin CNF/GNPs composite films have excellent potential for use as efficient flame retardant and EMI shielding materials.

Lignin-Based Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Resin Biocomposites with Excellent Fire Resistance and Mechanical Properties.

Carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced epoxy resin (EP) composites are lightweight materials with excellent comprehensive performance. However, the flammability of EP and the poor interfacial bonding between CF and EP are two key disadvantages that limit their further applications. Here, a kind of water-soluble lignin-based CF sizing agent (ELBEDK) is prepared through hydrophilic modification of enzymatic lignin, which can significantly enhance the interfacial interaction between CF and EP. Additionally, a highly efficient intumescent flame retardant (LMA) is prepared. The EP, enzymatic lignin, LMA and CF sized ELBEDK are compounded to obtain the fire-safety CF reinforced composites (SCF/FEP/L). The flame retardancy of SCF/FEP/L with 7% LMA (SCF/FEP7) reached V-0 rating. Moreover, SCF/FEP/L with 7% LMA and 15% lignin (SCF/FEP7/L15) present an limiting oxygen index (LOI)of 30.2% and V-0 of UL-94. Specifically, the total smoke production and the heat release rate are 47.8% and 46.81% lower than that of SCF/EP, respectively, indicating the improved smoke suppression and flame retardancy. The IFSS and flexural strength of SCF/FEP7/L15 are improved to be 59.4MPa and 511.1MPa, respectively. This study presents a simple approach to fabricate low-cost high performance lignin-based flame retardant CF/EP biocomposites with wide application potential.

Ecotoxicity Assessment of α-Amino Acid-Derived Polyamidoamines Using Zebrafish as a Vertebrate Model.

The aquatic ecotoxicity of three α-amino acid-derived polyamidoamines (PAAs) was studied using zebrafish embryos as a viable vertebrate model organism. The PAAs examined were water-soluble amphoteric polyelectrolytes with a primarily negative charge, which were efficient flame retardants for cotton. The fish embryo acute toxicity test performed with PAA water solutions using 1.5-500 mg L-1 concentrations showed that toxicity did not statistically differ from the control. The survival rates were indeed >90%, even at the highest concentration; the hatching rates were >80%; and the numbers of morphological defects were comparable to those of the control. Tests using transgenic zebrafish lines indicated that the numbers of microscopic vascular and musculoskeletal defects were comparable to the control, with one random concentration showing doubled alterations. Sensory-motor tests in response to visual and tactile stimuli were also performed. In the presence of PAAs, embryos exposed to alternating light/dark cycles showed an insignificant mobility reduction during the dark phase. Touch-evoked response tests revealed a mild effect of PAAs on the neuromotor system at concentrations > 10 mg L-1. The cystine/glycine copolymer at 100 mg L-1 exhibited the greatest effect. Overall, the studied PAAs showed a minimal impact on aquatic systems and should be further considered as promising ecofriendly materials.

Development of a Zr-Based Metal-Organic Framework (UiO-66) for a Cooperative Flame Retardant in the PC/ABS.

Polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) blends are widely used as engineering plastic alloys; however, they have a low fire safety level. To improve the flame-retardant property of PC/ABS, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework material (UiO-66) was synthesized with zirconium chloride and terephthalic acid and used as a flame-retardant cooperative agent. Its flame-retardant performance and mode of action in the PC/ABS blends were carefully investigated. The results showed that UiO-66 had good thermal stability and delayed the pyrolysis of the materials, thus significantly enhancing the efficiency of intumescent flame retardants. By compounding 7.0 wt% hexaphenyloxy-cyclotri-phosphazene (HPCTP) with 3.0 wt% UiO-66, the PC/ABS blends reached a limiting oxygen index value of 27.0% and V0 rating in the UL-94 test, showing significantly improved resistance to combustion dripping. In addition, UiO-66 enhanced the smoke and heat suppression characteristics of the intumescent flame-retardant materials. Finally, the flame-retardant mode of action in the blends was indicative of UiO-66 having a cooperative effect on the flame-retardant performance of PC/ABS/HPCTP materials. This work provides good ideas for further development of the flame-retardant ABS/PC.

Phosphorus and Silicon Modified Alginate as an Efficient Flame Retardant for Poly(lactic acid)

Phosphorus and Silicon Modified Alginate as an Efficient Flame Retardant for Poly(lactic acid)

Alkaline amino acid modification based on biological phytic acid for preparing flame-retardant and antibacterial cellulose-based fabrics

Cellulose-based fabrics have significant advantages, but their application scenarios are limited due to their flammability. This work used biomass phytic acid and protein decomposition products, alkaline amino acids (arginine, lysine, histidine) to prepare alkaline amino acid flame retardants (PALA, PALL, PALH), and they were utilized to endow Lyocell fabrics with flame-retardant and antibacterial properties. When the weight gain was about 16.0 wt%, PALA exhibited better flame-retardant effect, and the limited oxygen index value of PALA-Lyocell reached 47.1 %. In the cone calorimetry test, PALA showed the best flame-retardant efficiency in reducing flame growth index with a 92.0 % decrease in peak heat release rate. The results of thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and char residues indicated that the flame-retardant property of alkaline amino acid flame retardants was formed through the combined action of gas and condensed phases. In the antibacterial test, PALA had the highest antibacterial rate against Staphylococcus aureus at 97.2 %. Mechanical property, handle feeling, and whiteness results had indicated that alkaline amino acid based flame retardants had little effect on the physical properties of Lyocell fabrics. This work confirms alkaline amino acid based flame retardants have functions of flame-retardant and antibacterial properties, providing reference for the practical value of biomass in cellulose-based fabrics.

P/N-containing SiO2 flame retardant particles formed by in-situ hydrolysis for significantly improve the flame retardancy and toughness of epoxy resins

To obtain flame retardants with more efficient and multidimensional flame retardant modes, this work formed P/N-containing silica flame retardants (PBPSi) by hydrolysis and used them in epoxy resins (EP) to give them good flame retardant properties. The hydrolyzed SiO2 flame retardant builds an integrated flame-retardant structure and a concentrated stress-bearing point, the EP has good fire resistant properties and toughness. Allowing the addition of 7-PBPSi/EPPBPSi to enable EP to achieve a UL-94 rating of V-0, and the impact strength of 5-PBPSi/EP reached 52.9 kJ/m2. In addition, PBPSi has good performance in inhibiting heat release and toxic gas release, and the PHRR and THR of 7-PBPSi/EP were reduced by 54.6 % and 24.6 %, respectively, compared with pure EP, the content of CO and CO2 also decreased. The analysis of the flame retardant mechanism indicated that PBPSi played a flame retardant role in the biphasic phase through the catalytic carbon formation in the condensed phase and the synergistic dilution of flammable gases and trapping of free radicals by P/N synergistic.

Preparation and properties of toughened/flame‐retardant PA6/glass‐fiber composites reinforced by linear polyphosphazene elastomers

AbstractIn this study, the challenges of brittleness and flammability in Polyamide 6/glass fiber (PA6/GF) composites, which are crucial for heat‐resistant and stress‐bearing structural parts, are addressed. Polyphosphazene (PZ) elastomers, known for their exceptional flame‐retardant properties, are introduced to enhance the robustness and safety of these composites. Specifically, poly(diaryloxy)phosphazene (PDAP) and poly(difluoroalkoxy)phosphazene (PDFP) are utilized, both contributing to the improved toughness and flame resistance of the PA6/GF composites. Experimental results show that PDAP mainly played the role of solid‐phase flame retardant, while PDFP mainly acted the role of gas‐phase flame retardant. For PA/PZs composites without adding GF, PDFP plays a more efficient flame retardant effect than PDAP. By introducing 15 Vol% of PDFP, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the composite reached 26.1%, while the notched impact strength increased by 297%. For PA/PZs/GF composites, PDAP plays a better flame retardant role than PDFP. Under the action of 30 vol% GF and 15 vol% PDAP, the LOI of PA6/PDAP/GF composite reached 26.8%, and the notch impact strength improved to 18.7 kJ/m2, which is 165% higher than that of PA6/GF, and the UL‐94 test reaches V‐0 level. The findings of the study highlight the potential of PDAP and PDFP to act as dual‐function modifiers. These modifiers can considerably ameliorate both the impact resistance and flame retardancy of PA6 and PA6/GF composites. Such dual enhancement surpasses the typical trade‐offs seen in conventional composites, indicating a constructive direction for future material innovation.Highlights Polyphosphazenes simultaneously enhance PA6's toughness & flame resistance. Distinct flame retardant mechanisms found in PDAP and PDFP. GF presence alters PDAP and PDFP's flame retardant efficacy. PDAP shows superior flame resistance in GF‐reinforced PA6 composites. Without GF, PDFP outperforms PDAP in enhancing flame retardancy.

Preparation and characterization of novel flame-retardant paint of substituted cyclodiphosph(V)azane sulfonomide and their Cu(II), Cd(II) metal complexes as new additives for exterior wood coating protection

The development of flame-retardant materials has become an important research direction. For the past dozen years, researchers have been exploring flame retardants with high flame-retardant efficiency, low toxicity, less smoke, or other excellent performance flame retardants. Therefore, this work aimed to synthesize new cyclodiphosph(V)azane derivatives and their Cu(II) and Cd(II) metal complexes and investigated their potential applications as high flame-retardant efficiency. Various techniques were used to characterize the prepared ligand H2L and its metal complexes, including elemental analyses, mass spectra, conductivity measurements, electronic spectral data UV–vis, FT-IR, 1H,13C-NMR, TGA, XRD, and molecular docking experiments studies were M. tuberculosis receptors (PDB ID: 5UHF) and the crystal structure of human topoisomerase II alpha (PDB ID: 4FM9). Wood-based paint was physically mixed with the ligand H2L and its metal complexes. The obtained results of mechanical characteristics of the dried paint layers were noticed to improve, such as gloss value, which ranged from 85 to 95, hardness 1.5–2.5 kg, adhesion 4B to 5B, and impact resistance, which improved from 1.3 to 2.5 J. Moreover, the obtained results of flame-retardant properties showed a significant retardant impact compared to the blank sample, such as ignitability, which includes the heat flux which increased from 10 to 25 kW/m2, and ignition time, ranging from 550 to 1200 s, respectively, and limiting oxygen index (LOI) (%) which has been increased from 21 to 130 compared with the plywood sample and sample blank. The ordering activity of the observed results was noticed that coated sample based on Cd(II) metal complexes > coated sample based on Cu(II) metal complexes of Cyclophosphazene ligand > coated sample based on phosphazene ligand H2L > coated sample without additives > uncoated sample. This efficiency may be attributed to (1) the H2L is an organophosphorus compound, which contains P, N, Cl, and aromatic six- and five-member ring, (2) Cu(II) and Cd(II) metal complexes characterized by high thermal stability, good stability, excellent performance flame retardants, and wide application.

Macromolecular piperazine/aluminum phosphate hybrid and its efficient intumescent flame retardant/thermal conductive polypropylene

Achieving a delicate balance between fire resistance and thermal conductivity in intumescent flame-retarded polypropylene (PP) poses a formidable challenge, primarily due to the susceptibility of intumescent barrier layers to functional fillers. To address this concern, a novel hybrid macromolecule (Al-PAP) was synthesized via polycondensation reaction, showcasing promising potential in constructing flame-retardant and thermally conductive PP. Remarkably, the inclusion of mere 14 wt% of the Al-PAP/melamine polyphosphate (Al-IFR) system raised the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of PP to 28.3 %, equivalent to that of PP containing 20 wt% of the conventional system, emphasizing the superior efficacy of the hybrid Al-PAP. Further, the PP with 20 wt% Al-IFR performed a 32.2 % of LOI, 850 °C of glow wire ignition temperature, >960 °C of glow wire flammable index and UL 94 V-0 ratings (3.2 mm & 1.6 mm), indicating the high flame retardancy. Subsequently, three thermal conductive fillers – aluminum oxide, boron nitride, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes – were evaluated based on a 20 wt% dosage of Al-IFR. Alumina emerged as the optimal candidate, enhancing flame retardancy and smoke suppression while imparting thermal conductivity to PP. Conversely, the other two fillers compromised fire-safety performance. Notably, the composite 5Al2O3/20Al-IFR/PP exhibited a 90.8 % lower peak heat release rate and an 88.2 % lower peak smoke production rate compared to PP. Additionally, its thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity were 27.0 % and 48.9 % higher than those of PP, respectively. In short, this work combined molecular design and comprehensive screening to build the thermally conductive PP with high flame retardant efficiency, and relevant mechanisms were also investigated.

Non-flammable polymer electrolyte with fast ion conductivity for high-safety Li batteries

The safety and ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes have hindered their large-scale application. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBA) is regarded as an efficient flame retardant for polymers. However, the -OH group of TBBA is active during electrochemical process and results in the sacrifice of capacity in battery cycling. Herein, a new organic filler, TBBA-dichlorobutane (TD) is generated by replacing the H of -OH in TBBA using the 1,4-dichlorobutane through copolymerization modification. The electrochemical stability of TD has been improved, which facilitates the generation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer of LiBr, improving interface ionic conductivity. Meanwhile, the addition of TD significantly reduces the crystallinity of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), improving the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte. Furthermore, the electrochemical mechanism has been characterized by in-situ Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, revealing the high stability and fast ion transfer ability of electrolytes. From the theoretical calculation (density functional theory (DFT), COMSOL, and molecular dynamics (MD)), the priority combination between lithium-ion and the bromine in PAN-TD (P-TD), as well as uniform lithium-ion flux, can be certified. Therefore, the LiFePO4//Li battery exhibits a specific capacity of 157 mA h g−1 at 0.5 C and maintains 154 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles. At the same time, the safety properties have been improved by the formation of the carbon layer and the capture of free radicals through bromine, exhibiting an oxygen index as high as 29 %.

Half etching of ZIF-67 towards open hollow nanostructure with boosted absorption ability for toxic smoke and fume in epoxy composites

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are favored in the field of flame retardancy due to the catalytic effect of metal nodes on char layer formation and the synergistic flame-retardant effect of organic ligands containing elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus. However, the inherent microporosity of MOFs limits their adsorption efficiency for toxic smoke and flammable gases. In this work, an organic phosphorus-modified MOF with a distinctive nanostructure of hierarchically porous (P-Co-MOF/ZIF) was successfully synthesized. In brief, an amino-functionalized zeolitic imidazolate framework (NH2-ZIF) was initially synthesized through a ligand substitution reaction with ZIF-67. Subsequently, organic phosphorus flame retardants were grafted on NH2-ZIF, and the acidic substances generated during this process were used to synchronously half etch ZIF, resulting in a ZIF with a high specific surface area and unique nanostructure. Through this simple synthetic method, the catalytic ability of transition metals in ZIF is preserved, and organic phosphorus flame retardants are incorporated into ZIF, resulting in the synergistic flame-retardant effect of phosphorus and nitrogen. Additionally, its unique hierarchically porous nanostructure can effectively enhance the adsorption of volatile products during the combustion process, thereby offering outstanding flame retardancy and smoke suppression effects for epoxy resin (EP). The results indicate that adding 2 wt% P-Co-MOF/ZIF to EP can increase the limiting oxygen index value to 29.5%. Furthermore, the peak of heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production of the composite material can decrease by 43.3%, 37.9%, and 38.1%, respectively, compared to EP. Therefore, this work will provide new inspiration for designing functional nanostructures and synthesizing efficient flame retardants.

Construction of MXene-based flame retardant with multiple carbonization towards for reducing fire hazard and smoke release of epoxy resin

MXene is a promising flame retardant for composites. Currently, how to construct modified MXene nanomaterials with high flame-retardant efficiency is a challenge. In this work, a functionalized MXene-based flame retardant (MXene-AP-Cu) was synthesized by grafting phytic acid copper complex onto the surface of MXene, and was utilized to prepare high performance epoxy resin (EP) composites. Only 2 wt% MXene-AP-Cu increased limited oxygen index (LOI) of EP to 29.7% from 21%, with an enhancement of 41.4%. In addition, EP/2% MXene-AP-Cu presented excellent suppression effect on the release of heat, smoke and CO, as reflected by a 40%, 18%, 25.3% and 33.3% decreases in peak of heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), total smoke product (TSP) and peak of CO release rate, respectively, compared to EP. The multiple carbonization of MXene-AP-Cu, including lamellar barrier effect, catalytic carbonization of MXene and copper irons, dehydration and carbonization of phytic acid, contributed to better flame retardancy. Besides, the impact strength of EP/MXene-AP-Cu was increased to a certain extent, compared to EP.