Interfacial Adhesion Force Research Articles

Bacterial-host adhesion dominated by collagen subtypes remodelled by osmotic pressure.

Environmental osmolarity plays a crucial role in regulating the functions and behaviors of both host cells and pathogens. However, it remains unclear whether and how environmental osmotic stimuli modulate bacterial‒host interfacial adhesion. Using single-cell force spectroscopy, we revealed that the interfacial adhesion force depended nonlinearly on the osmotic prestimulation of host cells but not bacteria. Quantitatively, the adhesion force increased dramatically from 25.98 nN under isotonic conditions to 112.45 or 93.10 nN after the host cells were treated with the hypotonic or hypertonic solution. There was a strong correlation between the adhesion force and the number of host cells harboring adherent/internalized bacteria. We further revealed that enhanced overexpression levels of collagen XV and II were responsible for the increases in interfacial adhesion under hypotonic and hypertonic conditions, respectively. This work provides new opportunities for developing host-directed antibacterial strategies related to interfacial adhesion from a mechanobiological perspective.

Friction Force Mapping of Molecular Ordering and Mesoscopic Phase Transformations in Layered-Crystalline Organic Semiconductor Films.

It is critical to understand molecular ordering processes in small-molecule organic semiconductor (OSC) films in optimizing electronic device applications, although it is difficult to observe and investigate the ordering characteristics at a mesoscopic or device scale. Here, we report that friction force microscopy (FFM) allows visualizing the ordering transformation process from a thermodynamically metastable phase to a stable phase at a mesoscopic scale. We utilized 2-octyl-benzothieno[3,2-b]naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene (2-C8-BTNT) as a typical highly layered-crystalline OSC. We found that the friction force between an AFM tip and spin-coated OSC films significantly depends on whether local film states are in metastable monolayer phase or stable bilayer-type herringbone (b-LHB) phase that exhibits high carrier mobility. The formation of the stable b-LHB phase leads to lower friction than the metastable monolayer phase, clearly visualizing the molecular order. Force map (Fmap) analysis indicates that the lower friction in the b-LHB phase should be associated with the reduction of interfacial adhesion force. Notably, the observed results demonstrate that the spin-coated thin film changes from continuous film with the monolayer phase to rugged microcrystal grains with the b-LHB phase when left at ambient conditions. By contrast, an appropriate post-thermal annealing process facilitates the phase transformation without inducing such morphological changes. The technique provides a unique and effective tool for revealing the relationship between processing conditions and device performance in polycrystalline OSC films.

SiC-armoured triple-layered superhydrophobic coating with super-robustness and anti-corrosion durability

Continuously enhancing the mechanical stability and durability of superhydrophobic corrosion-resistant materials is a great challenge for researchers. In this paper, we developed a SiC armoured triple-layered superhydrophobic coating with super-robustness on Q235 carbon steel substrates. The triple-layered coating was achieved by sequentially applying an epoxy (EP) resin adhesive layer, a SiC-armored skeleton structure, and a superhydrophobic F-Al2O3@EP layer. The resulting coating demonstrated outstanding non-wetting superhydrophobicity, featuring a static water contact angle (WCA) of 157.7 ± 0.5° and a sliding angle (SA) of 3.7 ± 0.6°. Moreover, the designed triple-layered superhydrophobic coating exhibits ultra-low interfacial adhesion force and demonstrates self-cleaning ability. Its mechanical stability was significantly heightened, enduring more than 2700 sandpaper abrasion cycles, 2200 tape-peeling cycles, and 3000 g sand impact resistance. Additionally, the coating displayed superior corrosion resistance with eight orders of magnitude enhanced charge transfer resistance (Rct), 590 mV positive shift corrosion potential (Ecorr), and six orders of magnitude lower corrosion current density (Icorr) in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Impressively, the SiC armoured triple-layered superhydrophobic coating demonstrated prolonged marine anti-corrosion performance, enduring immersion in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for over 1200 h and exposure to the outdoor marine atmospheric environment for more than 3360 h. We believe the development of superhydrophobic materials with high stability and durability contributes to their widespread adoption and multifunctional applications.

Spider silk-inspired heterogeneous interphase featuring hybrid interaction for simultaneously improving the interfacial strength and fracture toughness between carbon fiber and epoxy by regulating hydrogen bond density

Designing advanced fiber-reinforced polymer composites through biological inspiration proved to be a crucial strategy for overcoming limitations in simultaneously enhancing the strength and toughness of composites. To achieve simultaneous improvement in the interfacial strength and toughness between carbon fiber (CF) and epoxy, a spider silk-inspired interphase featuring hybrid interaction was constructed by introducing hyperbranched polyamide-amine (HPAA) and graphene oxide (GO) onto the surface of CF. The results suggested that manipulating the feed ratio to adjust the branching degree of HPAA allowed for the attainment of various hydrogen bond densities. The fiber surface with high hydrogen bond density provided more hydrogen bond interaction sites to promote the deposition of GO. Benefitting from the ameliorative interfacial adhesion force, surface energy and interface thickness, impressive improvements of 94.5 % and 110.0 % in respective interfacial strength and fracture toughness over those of untreated CF/EP composites were achieved for functionalized CF/EP composites. The enhancement mechanism of interfacial performance was attributed to the formation of a “nano-fishnet” structure, which improved the stress transformation efficiency and consumption of external energy absorbed by hydrogen bonds. The method of regulating the branching degree of hyperbranched polymers and hydrogen bond density has opened an advanced way for surface modification of high-performance fibers.

Metalized Plastic Current Collectors Incorporated with Halloysite Nanotubes toward Highly Safe Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractMetalized plastic current collectors (MPCCs) have shown potential in improving the energy density and safety of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor mechanical strength, weak interfacial adhesion force, and surface metal corrosion have impeded the practical application of MPCCs. Here, an innovative engineering of MPCCs is proposed by incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as fillers into polyimide (PI) polymer layer, which is further coated with two thin copper (Cu) layers. Because of the strong bonding between HNTs surface and the PI precursor, HNTs improve the mechanical strength of PI‐HNTs composite film, reinforce the interfacial adhesion force between the PI‐HNTs film and the coated Cu layer, and suppress the Cu corrosion by electrolyte. The prepared MPCCs exhibit a low mass density and only account about one‐fifth of the density of commercial Cu CCs. Furthermore, the PI‐HNTs‐Cu composite demonstrates significantly enhanced interfacial adhesion force doubled to 4 N cm−1 along with prolonged stability under electrolyte immersion and electrochemical reaction conditions, and delivers a high fracture strength of 125 MPa. LIBs assembled with MPCCs deliver a twice higher discharge capacity compared to battery with Cu CCs and reach a long‐term cycle capacity retention as high as 92.9% at 0.5 C after 500 cycles.

Unveiling Nanoscale Heterogeneities at the Bias-Dependent Gold-Electrolyte Interface.

Electrified solid-liquid interfaces (SLIs) are extremely complex and dynamic, affecting both the dynamics and selectivity of reaction pathways at electrochemical interfaces. Enabling access to the structure and arrangement of interfacial water in situ with nanoscale resolution is essential to develop efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we probe the SLI energy of a polycrystalline Au(111) electrode in a neutral aqueous electrolyte through in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy. We acquire potential-dependent maps of the local interfacial adhesion forces, which we associate with the formation energy of the electric double layer. We observe nanoscale inhomogeneities of interfacial adhesion force across the entire map area, indicating local differences in the ordering of the solvent/ions at the interface. Anion adsorption has a clear influence on the observed interfacial adhesion forces. Strikingly, the adhesion forces exhibit potential-dependent hysteresis, which depends on the local gold grain curvature. Our findings on a model electrode extend the use of scanning probe microscopy to gain insights into the local molecular arrangement of the SLI in situ, which can be extended to other electrocatalysts.

Regulatory role of interfacial adhesion and mechanical microenvironments in microbe-host interactions

A recent study published in Nature Communications showed that essential modulatory roles of interfacial adhesion and mechanical microenvironments such as geometric constraints and extracellular matrix stiffness, in microbe-host cell interactions. This study utilized single-cell force spectroscopy and RNA sequencing to gain insight into the intrinsic mechanisms by which the mechanical microenvironment regulates bacterial-host interactions and therefore reveal potential interventions against bacterial invasion. Meanwhile, the adhesion forces involved in the bacterial–host interactions were recognized as a new indicator for assessing the extent of bacterial infection. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that interfacial adhesion forces and mechanical microenvironments play a dominant role in modulating functions and behaviors of microorganisms and host cells, which also provide a mechanobiology-inspired idea for the development of subsequent drug-resistant antimicrobials and broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.

Effect of carbon black and chain extender on thermal, rheological and mechanical properties of fully biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) blends

AbstractDifferent carbon black (CB) contents in poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB) blends were prepared by melt blending using chain extender multifunctional styrene‐acrylic‐ epoxy random oligomer (ADR), as a compatibilizer. PBAT and P34HB were immiscible, and ADR could react with PBAT and P34HB to improve interfacial adhesion force and molecular entanglement. CB fillers were uniformly and selectively located in the PBAT matrix and could act as a nucleating agent to promote the nucleation of PBAT crystallization. At a CB content of 5 wt%, a percolation network structure of CB was formed. The most interesting result in the work was the achievement of composites with improved rheological and mechanical properties under the synergistic effect of chain extender and CB fillers. The viscoelasticity of the system was markedly improved and a transition from liquid‐like to solid‐like behavior was observed. Young's modulus and yield strength of chain extender modified PBAT/P34HB/CB composite with 10 wt% CB increased by 502% and 69% compared to neat PBAT, and by 89% and 43% compared to PBAT/P34HB binary blend. The combination of improved melt viscoelasticity and mechanical properties will further broaden the practical application of biodegradable polymers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Benzoyl Chloride and Fiber Loading on Mechanical Properties and Biodegradation of Poly Lactic Acid/Sugarcane Bagasse Fibre Composites

This study aimed to investigate the properties of benzoyl chloride modified and unmodified poly lactic acid and sugarcane bagasse fibre composites (PLA/SCBF), as well as the impact of chemical treatment on the mechanical and biodegradation properties of these composites. In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was employed to examine the benzoyl chloride modified and unmodified fibre samples. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) techniques were utilised to investigate the morphology and thermal behaviour of the Poly lactic/SCBF composites. The results indicate that the use of benzoyl chloride treatment resulted in an increase in the tensile, flexural characteristics, impact strength, and hardness strength. The treatment with benzoyl chloride resulted in a reduction in both water absorption and biodegradability. The research also elucidated the impact of increasing the quantity of sugar cane bagasse on the aforementioned qualities. The addition of SCBF at higher loading resulted in a decrease in the tensile strength, biodegradability, flexural strength, and impact strength. The water absorption and hardness exhibited a positive correlation with the increase in fibre loading. The observed improvement in mechanical characteristics indicates that the treatment effectively enhanced the interfacial adhesion between SCBF and the PLA matrix. The enhancement of the interfacial adhesive forces was observed by the examination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum of the treated solvent-cast bamboo fibre (SCBF) exhibited the presence of a benzoyl group attached to the fibre, indicating successful benzoyl chloride treatment. Additionally, a modest reduction in hemicellulose content was seen following the treatment. The thermal characteristics of the modified PLA/SCBF composites were found to be enhanced based on the results obtained from the TGA-DTA analysis.

Effect of nucleating agents on the electrical properties of cross‐linked polyethylene under tensile stress

AbstractDuring the operation of high‐voltage cables, external stress and residual stress can affect the aggregated structure of insulating materials and lead to significant deterioration in their electrical performance. To investigate the evolution characteristics of the electrical properties of cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) under mechanical stress, this paper explains the relationship between the aggregated structure of XLPE and its electrical properties and proposes a method for improving insulation performance under mechanical stress. The results show that metallocene polyethylene used as a nucleating agent can promote crystallisation through heterogeneous nucleation and increase Young's modulus by non‐uniform nucleation, increasing crystallinity and reducing interplanar spacing, resulting in more complete crystal forms and reduced damage to the aggregated structure during the tensile process. After nucleating agent modification, the XLPE crystallisation becomes more uniform, and interfacial adhesion forces increase. The weakened interface damage process between the amorphous and crystalline regions under tensile stress effectively inhibits the process of molecular chain polarisation turning and reduces trap density. The modified XLPE crystal structure shows a tendency towards densification and enhanced molecular chain interactions, which can reduce the damage to the aggregated structure under tensile stress, while the reduced free volume inside the material and the shortened average free path of carriers can weaken the damage of high‐energy electrons to molecular chains, thereby inhibiting the process of electrical tree degradation. The results show that nucleating agents have great potential for maintaining the stable operation of XLPE cables under mechanical stress.

Illuminating Recent Progress in Nanotransfer Printing: Core Principles, Emerging Applications, and Future Perspectives.

As the demand for diverse nanostructures in physical/chemical devices continues to rise, the development of nanotransfer printing (nTP) technology is receiving significant attention due to its exceptional throughput and ease of use. Over the past decade, researchers have attempted to enhance the diversity of materials and substrates used in transfer processes as well as to improve the resolution, reliability, and scalability of nTP. Recent research on nTP has made continuous progress, particularly using the control of the interfacial adhesion force between the donor mold, target material, and receiver substrate, and numerous practical nTP methods with niche applications have been demonstrated. This review article offers a comprehensive analysis of the chronological advancements in nTP technology and categorizes recent strategies targeted for high-yield and versatile printing based on controlling the relative adhesion force depending on interfacial layers. In detail, the advantages and challenges of various nTP approaches are discussed based on their working mechanisms, and several promising solutions to improve morphological/material diversity are presented. Furthermore, this review provides a summary of potential applications of nanostructured devices, along with perspectives on the outlook and remaining challenges, which are expected to facilitate the continued progress of nTP technology and to inspire future innovations.

High-quality and efficient large-area copper removal utilizing laser-induced active mechanical peeling

Large-area copper layer removal is one of the essential processes in manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCB) and frequency selective surfaces (FSS). However, laser direct ablation (LDA) with one-step scanning is challenging in resolving excessive substrate damage and material residue. Here, this study proposes a laser scanning strategy based on the laser-induced active mechanical peeling (LIAMP) effect generated by resin decomposition. This scanning strategy allows the removal of large-area copper layers from FR-4 copper-clad laminates (FR-4 CCL) in one-step scanning without additional manual intervention. During the removal process, the resin decomposition in the laser-irradiated area provides the mechanical tearing force, while the resin decomposition in the laser-unirradiated area reduces the interfacial adhesion force and provides recoil pressure. By optimizing scanning parameters to control the laser energy deposition, the substrate damage and copper residue can be effectively avoided. In our work, the maximum removal efficiency with different energy densities, pulse duration, and repetition frequency are 31.8 mm2/ms, 30.25 mm2/ms, and 82.8 mm2/ms, respectively. Compared with the reported copper removal using laser direct write lithography technology combined with wet chemical etching (LDWL+WCE) and LDA, the efficiency improved by 8.3 times and 66 times. Predictably, the laser scanning strategy and the peeling mechanism are simple and controllable, which have potential in electronics, communications, and aerospace.

Design and application of a flexible fabric transfer manipulator

ABSTRACT The pick-up and transfer of easily deformable multi-layer fabrics is a challenge in the automation process of the textile industry. A transfer manipulator using interfacial adhesion forces has potential applications in the pick-up and transfer of fabrics. However, rapid adhesion and detachment cannot be achieved because of the small variability of adhesion and detachment forces between the fabric and the adhering material, which results in difficulty of picking and placing of fabric. To address this problem, in this study, an innovative pressure and strip manipulator structure is designed, utilizing the fabric gesture presented during the fabric peeling process to adjust the peel angle, and thereafter affect the adhesion force. The factors affecting the adhesion force, such as peeling speed, duration, and preload are analyzed, and a control method to regulate the adhesion force by peeling speed and the gap between the adhesion element and positioning block is proposed. Based on the interface adhesion force, the transfer manipulator can realize low-cost, high-stability, and high-efficiency fabric picking, which has good prospects for application in fabric production.

Effects of re-dispersible latex powder-basalt fibers on the properties and pore structure of lightweight foamed concrete

In order to diminish global energy consumption and environmental pollution, the use of green building materials for construction has been noticeably popularized. In the present study, the use of re-dispersible latex powder-basalt fibers to prepare foamed concrete to improve the performance of foamed concrete has been assessed. The effects of basalt fibers and re-dispersible latex powder on the dry and wet densities, water adsorption rate, compressive strength, and microstructure of the foamed concrete, were then studied. The hydration products and pore structure were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that basalt fibers slightly affected the density and water adsorption rate. With the increase in the content of re-dispersible latex powder, the wet density of the specimen increased, the dry density decreased, the difference between dry density and wet density increased, and the water adsorption rate decreased. With the addition of a re-dispersible latex powder, the pore size decreased, the pore structure density increased, and the effective pore number was elevated. Furthermore, the compressive strength of double-doped re-dispersible latex powder-basalt fibers was higher than that of single-doped basalt fibers. The XRD analysis of the hydration products and the SEM analysis of the microstructures confirmed that the re-dispersible latex powder formed new hydration products after hydration. These hydration products gathered on the foam surface and became fused to form a film. Also, the polymer membrane interweaves with the hydration products to form a continuous network. The basalt fibers were evenly distributed in the internal structure, penetrated the polymer membrane, and formed a three-dimensional random network system. The random network system could support the bubbles and had the effect of secondary reinforcement. Moreover, the interfacial adhesive force between the fibers and the polymer film dispersed a part of the energy and produced a more continuous and uniform stress field in the structure.

Metallized Plastic Foils: A Promising Solution for High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Battery Current Collectors

AbstractTo meet the growing demand for safe and high‐energy batteries, particularly for the commercialization of electric vehicles, a need for further advancement has arisen. An innovative and promising solution for current collectors in LIBs is a metallized plastic current collector (MPCC) with metal‐polymer‐metal multilayer composite structure. This approach offers several advantages. First, it effectively reduces the inert weight and thickness of LIBs, thereby enhancing their energy density. Second, a polymer with electrical insulation and high elongation properties in the MPCC significantly improves the safety performance of LIBs by preventing thermal runaway. Despite its potential for large‐scale application in LIBs, the MPCC still faces significant challenges, such as weak interfacial adhesion force and low electrical conductivity. Therefore, researchers in the field of energy storage are currently focusing on the design, modification, and development of practical MPCCs. Hence, in this review various polymers, preparation approaches, and MPCCs are comprehensively analyzed and summarized. Additionally, detailed discussions are provided on the advances, key issues, improvements and corresponding mechanisms associated with MPCCs. Finally, valuable guidance and future directions are provided for the design and improvement of advanced MPCCs in high‐energy LIBs, thus facilitating the commercialization process.

Contact Electrification at Adhesive Interface: Boosting Charge Transfer for High‐Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators

AbstractCharge transfer, a decisive feature for surface charge density in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), differs in quantity and species at different contact interfaces. Regarded as the main electrification mechanism, electron transfer has been extensively investigated in constructing high‐performance tribo‐materials and TENGs, in which material transfer has been always neglected. Here, it is demonstrated that material transfer is a crucial electrification mechanism for adhesive polymers in contact electrification, and plays a dominant role in boosting charge transfer and TENG performance. Specifically, as a new strategy for utilizing the adhesion capability, this study introduces the stabilized poly(thioctic acid) adhesives as tribo‐materials to maximize contact electrification. With material transfer at the adhesive interface, abundant mechanoions are generated through covalent bond cleavage and higher charge density is obtained from the triboelectric pairs with larger interfacial adhesion force. Under a gentle triggering condition (5 N, 1 Hz), the TENG can achieve a high charge density of 14.65 nC∙cm−2, with a maximum output power density of 10 W∙m−2. Furthermore, the TENG exhibits unique frequency‐insensitive, pressure‐ and temperature‐enhanced output characteristics. This study provides new insight into constructing high‐performance TENGs using adhesives and highlights the indispensable role of material transfer in polymer contact electrification.

Study of Heat Treatment Effect on Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Reinforced with Fiber Glass.

In this paper, mechanical properties of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin (EP) reinforced with a 20% fiber glass (GF) with layered structure after high temperature aging are studied. Tensile and flexural stress-strain curves of the GF/EP composite after aging tests in the temperature range of 85-145 °C in air were measured. Tensile and flexural strength demonstrate gradual decrease with the increase in the aging temperature. The failure mechanism at the micro scale is studied by the scanning electron microscopy. A separation of the GFs and EP matrix and evident pullout of the GFs are observed. Degradation of the mechanical properties is explained by a cross-linking and chain scission of the initial molecular structure of the composite and decrease in the interfacial adhesion force between GFs and EP matrix caused by oxidation of the EP matrix and difference of the GF and EP coefficients of thermal expansion.

Highly Stable Liquid Metal Conductors with Superior Electrical Stability and Tough Interface Bonding for Stretchable Electronics.

Ga-based liquid metal stretchable conductors have recently gained interest in flexible electronic devices such as electrodes, antennas, and sensors. It is essential to maintain electrical stability under strain or cyclic strain for reliable data acquisition and exhibit tough interfacial bonding between liquid metal and polymers to prevent performance loss and device failure. Herein, a highly stable conductor with superior electrical stability and tough interface bonding is introduced by casting curable polymers and a peeling-activated process from liquid metal particles. Based on the compensating effect of liquid metal, similar to the recharge relationship of water between rivers and lakes in nature, the conductor is not only strain-insensitive (ΔR/R0 < 10% for 100% strain) but also immune to cyclic deformation (ΔR/R0 < 7% with 5000 stretching cycles at 50% strain). Embedding liquid metal within the elastomer to create stretchable conductors effectively improves interfacial adhesion properties (the fluid-solid interfacial adhesion force increases from 0.48 to 0.62 mN/mm2). The constructed tough interface could even withstand sonication treatment. Finally, by combining strategies in material design and fabrication, an integrated array composed of vertical interconnect access and robust electrodes is fabricated, which simultaneously holds tough interfacial bonding with the upper and lower layers.

SiO2 aerogel multiscale reinforced by glass fibers and SiC nanowhiskers for thermal insulation

SiO2 aerogel attracts much interest as thermal insulation material due to ultra-low density and excellent thermal performance at room temperature. However, the poor mechanical property and a mass of heat transfer by radiation in high temperature limit application of aerogels. Herein, a novel aerogel composite multiscale reinforced by glass fibers felt with SiC nanowhiskers (SiCnw) (AFS) was prepared. SiCnw were evenly distributed in glass fibers felts by freeze-drying method to form a uniform multiscale felt. The SiCnw inside felts provided more contact point with aerogel to increase the interfacial adhesion force so that compressive stress of aerogel composites with 4% volume fraction SiCnw was increased to 0.29 MPa. SiCnw blocked infrared radiation to decrease the heat transfer. Therefore, thermal conductivity at 500℃ of aerogel composite with 4% volume fraction SiCnw was only 0.040 W/(m·K). In a word, SiCnw reduced the sensitivity of thermal conductivity to temperature. AFS showed potential in the field of medium and high temperature insulation.

Biomass tannic acid intermediated surface functionalization of ammonium polyphosphate for enhancing fire safety and smoke suppression of thermoplastic polyurethane

Hierarchical ammonium polyphosphate (HAPP) was designed and fabricated by means of a simple strategy. FeOOH nanoparticles were decorated onto the APP surface based on the universal surface-adaptive interfacial adhesion of tannic acid (TA) and then modified by using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to obtain HAPP. Owing to unique microstructure, the introduction of HAPP not only endows thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with admirable flame retardancy, but also presents excellent interfacial compatibility. The Young’s modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break of TPU composite with 5 wt% HAPP are increased by 4.3 %, 11.0 % and 16.6 %, respectively, relative to the values for TPU composite containing 5 wt% APP. Furthermore, TPU composite including 5 wt% HAPP achieve a UL-94 V-0 rating with the maximum limiting oxygen index value. Compared to those of TPU, the peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke production of TPU composite with 5 wt% HAPP are remarkably decreased with the reduction of 57.7 %, 23.1 % and 82.3 %, respectively. The proposed combination of transition metal oxides and low surface energy material is expected to reinforce the interfacial adhesion force between the APP and the polymer matrix and then inspires new strategies to construct polymer composites with excellent comprehensive properties.