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The dripping behaviour of polymers is often observed experimentally through the UL94 flammability standard test. In this work, polymeric dripping under fire is investigated numerically using particle finite element method. A parametric analysis was carried out to observe the influence of a single property on overall dripping behaviour via a UL94 vertical test model. Surrogates and property ranges were defined for variation of the following parameters: glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), decomposition temperature (Td), density (ρ), specific heat capacity (Cp), apparent effective heat of combustion of the volatiles, char yield (μ), thermal conductivity (k), and viscosity (η). Polyamide, poly(ether ether ketone), poly(methyl methacrylate), and polysulfone were used as benchmarks. Simulated results showed that specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and char yield allied with viscosity were the properties that most influenced dripping behaviour (starting time and occurrence).
To ensure fire safety, polymers are filled with flame retardants and smoke suppressants. To meet the highest requirements, it is essential to understand the decomposition of those polymeric materials. This study reveals interactions between polymer, smoke suppressants, and flame retardants, and discusses their impact on the materials’ flame retardancy, smoke emission, smoke toxicity, and particle emission in conventional loadings to provide deeper general understanding. Low melting oxide glass, melem, spherical silica, sepiolite, melamine polyphosphate, and boehmite in an aluminum diethylphosphinate flame-retarded polyamide 6.6 were investigated. All smoke suppressants improve the protective layer and act as an adjuvant. Silica and melem performed best under forced flaming conditions. Spherical silica reduces the peak of heat release rate by 39% and the total heat evolved by 14%, whereas 10 wt% melem lowers the total smoke production by 41%. Melem alters the mode of action of aluminum diethylphosphinate from gas to more condensed phase activity. This change reduces flame inhibition and hence smoke toxicity, but further improves the protective layer due to charring reactions in the decomposition mechanism. In addition, the sizes of the smoke particles decrease because of the prolonged time in the pyrolytic zone. This study highlights that interactions between polymer, flame retardants, and smoke suppressants can significantly determine the smoking and burning behavior.
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are used in several industrial applications such as con-struction, railway vehicles and the automotive sector,where the burning behavior is ofcrucial importance. Flame retarded adhesivetapes are developed and provided, however,often without considering the interaction of adhesive tapes and the bonded materialsduring burning nor the contribution of the tapes to fire protection goal of the bondedcomponents in distinct fire tests. This publication delivers an empirical comprehensiveknowledge how adhesive tapes and their flame retardancy effect the burning behaviorof bonded materials. With a special focus on the interaction between the single compo-nents, one flame retarded tape and one tapewithout flame retardant are examined inscenarios of emerging and developing fires, along with their bonds with the commonmaterials wood, zinc-plated steel, mineral wool, polycarbonate, and polymethylmethacry-late. The flame retardant significantly improved the flame retardancy of the tape as afree-standing object and yielded a V-2 rating in UL 94 vertical test and raised the OxygenIndex by 5 vol.%. In bonds, or rather laminates, the investigations prove that the choiceof carrier and substrates are the factors with the greatest impact on the fire propertiesand can change the peak of heat release rate and the maximum average rate of heatemission up to 25%. This research yielded a good empirical overall understanding of thefire behavior of adhesive tapes and bonded materials. Thus, it serves as a guide for tapemanufacturers and applicants to develop tapes and bonds more substrate specific.
Combining buffing leather fibers from industrial waste streams with ammonium polyphosphate and bentonite clay is proposed as a flame-retardant additive for polypropylene. The paper addresses how they can be processed into attractive composites with the desired mechanical properties. Buffing leather fibers function as a multifunctional bio-filler and as a synergist for the flame retardant, resulting in fire retardancy successful enough to increase the oxygen index (LOI) by up to 7 vol.-% and to achieve a V0 UL 94 classification. Impressively reduced heat release rates are obtained in the cone calorimeter at 50 kW/m2 irradiation; for instance, the maximum average rate heat evolved (MARHE) drops from 765 to below 200 kW m 2. The synergistic effects are quantified and shown to be very strong for LOI and MARHE. This work opens the door to use waste buffing leather fibers as a promising multifunctional and synergistic bio-filler.
Produkte, Bauteile und Konstruktionen im Transport- und Bauwesen bestehen mehr und mehr aus Klebverbunden. Allein die Menge des verwendeten Klebstoffes oder die Anzahl geklebter Verbindungen schließen für eine verlässliche Betrachtung und Bewertung der Brandrisiken aus, deren Beitrag zur Brandentstehung, Flammenausbreitung oder Feuerwiderstand von Baugruppen und Konstruktionen zu vernachlässigen. Anforderungen an die Leistungsbeschreibungen von flammgeschützten Klebstoffen bzw. Haftklebebändern werden definiert, oft ohne ein ausreichendes Verständnis der Beiträge von Klebverbunden zum Brandverhalten der Bauteile zu haben. Der Vortrag beleuchtet diese Problematik und stellt die verschiedenen komplexen Anforderungen aus dem Brandschutz in Hinblick auf Auswahlkriterien und Entwicklungsziele für flammgeschützte Klebstoffe dar. Dabei ist dieser Transfer des Brandverhaltens, sprich der Systemantwort einer Komponente oder Bauteils in einem spezifischen Brandszenario, in Materialeigenschaften des Klebstoffes eine intrinsische und anspruchsvolle Herausforderung. Im abgeschlossenen IGF-Projekt Nr. 20762 N (Forschungsvereinigung DECHEMA) haben wir für Klebebänder eine systematisch-wissenschaftliche Studie durchgeführt und aussagekräftige Erkenntnisse zu Verfügung gestellt. Die Untersuchungen zur Entflammbarkeit zu Brandbeginn, zur Flammenausbreitung (Wärmeentwicklung) im sich entwickelnden Brand und zum Feuerwiderstand im Vollbrand machen die sehr unterschiedlichen Einflüsse von Klebverbunden, d. h. auch die unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an die Modifikation der Klebebänder, deutlich. Die thermische Analyse verschiedener Klebstoffe zusammen mit den Brandtest freistehender Haftklebebänder, an einseitig geklebten Substraten und an Klebverbundprobekörpern skizzieren eindrucksvoll die komplexen Zusammenhänge zwischen Materialeigenschaften der Klebebänder und dem Brandverhalten von Klebverbunden. Der Vergleich von verschiedenen Substraten wie Stahlbleche, Holz, Mineralwolle und verschiedene Polymermaterialien belegt darüber hinaus, dass der Einfluss der Klebverbindungen auf das Brandverhalten der Klebverbunde substratspezifisch ist. Gerade der Vergleich zwischen Holz, Polymethylmethacrylat (PMMA) und Bisphenol A Polycarbonat (PC) liefert überraschend unterschiedliche Ergebnisse. Die Variation der Klebstoffe und Trägermaterialien der Klebebänder skizziert die verschiedenen Möglichkeiten für die Materialentwicklung. Abhängig vom Material und Brandszenario können Klebverbunde im Vergleich zu gleich dicken Probekörpern aus demselben Substrat sowohl eine deutliche Erhöhung der Brandrisiken, ein praktisch unverändertes Brandverhalten oder eine Reduktion des Brandrisikos hervorrufen. Grundsätzlich kann keine Lösung bzw. kein Tape gefunden werden, die mit allen Substraten einen guten Brandschutz gewährleistet. Substrate, Carrier und Klebstoff müssen nicht nur aufeinander abgestimmt werden, sondern auch auf das Brandszenario, in welchem der Verbund eine gute Performance liefern soll.Das IGF-Projekt (20762) der Forschungsgemeinschaft (DECHEMA Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e V, Theodor Heuss Allee 25, 60486 Frankfurt am Main) wurde durch die AiF im Rahmen des Programms „Förderung der Industriellen Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF)” des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz aufgrund eines Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages gefördert.
In the processing of nanocomposites, high shear stresses at elevated tempera-tures orient two-dimensional nanoparticles like graphene. This orientationleads to anisotropic mechanical, thermal or barrier properties of the nanocom-posite. This anisotropy is addressed in this study by comparing graphene (few-layer graphene, FLG) with a nanoscaled carbon black (nCB) at a filler contentof 3 phr, by varying the vulcanization, and by comparing different FLG con-tents. Transmission electron microscopy gives insight into the qualitative ori-entation in the nanocomposite with FLG or nCB. The storage moduli paralleland normal to the orientation reveal the direction dependency of reinforce-ment through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Dimensional swellingmeasurements show a restriction of the expansion parallel to the FLG orienta-tion, and an increased expansion normal to the orientation. The vulcanizationsystem and crosslinking determine the respective level of property values, andhigher crosslinking densities increase the anisotropy in DMA resulting invalues of up to 2.9 for the quantified anisotropy factor. With increasing FLGcontent, the anisotropy increases. A comparison of the results reveals swellingmeasurements as the most suitable method for the determination of anisot-ropy. Compared to recent literature, the presented processing induces higheranisotropy, leading to higher reinforcing effects in the direction of orientation
The impact of phosphorus-containing flame retardants (FR) on rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams is studied by systematic variation of the chemical structure of the FR, including non-NCO-reactive and NCO-reactive dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepine 6-oxide (BPPO)- and 9,10 dihydro-9-oxa-10 phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO)-containing compounds, among them a number of compounds not reported so far. These PIR foams are compared with PIR foams without FR and with standard FRs with respect to foam properties, thermal decomposition, and fire behavior. Although BPPO and DOPO differ by just one oxygen atom, the impact on the FR properties is very significant: when the FR is a filler or a dangling (dead) end in the PIR polymer network, DOPO is more effective than BPPO. When the FR is a subunit of a diol and it is fully incorporated in the PIR network, BPPO delivers superior results.
Main message: Sustainability, or in other words, exploiting environmental conservation for the economic welfare and prosperity for all, would revolutionise the plastics industry were it to become predominant practice as a linear, fossil-fuel–based economy is switched to a carbon circular economy. Food for though is given by dint of a critical overview of the current trends in sustainable flame-retardant polymeric materials.
Introduction:
Transforming the plastics industry into a carbon circular economy over the next 30 years requires an immediate revolution entailing the development of cutting-edge materials and the planning of future industrial production plants. Hence, the innovative field of flame-retardant polymeric materials should lend its strength to drive this challenge. Visionary solutions are proposed to inspire us, while the implementation of economically feasible concepts can take us forward into the future.
Experimental The synthesis, processing, polymer analysis, thermal analysis, and investigation of fire behaviour from our own research are performed according to the state of the art, mostly in accordance with the pertinent ISO standards. Indeed, some of our equipment is part of the accredited lab; for the other methods we fulfil equivalent quality standards in terms of maintenance, calibration, participation in round robins, etc. Work steps such as the synthesis or preparation of new materials are usually outsourced or done with partners that have the relevant core competence. The talk also presents examples from other groups whose experimental is described in the corresponding scientific papers.
Results and Discussion An overview of current trends towards producing sustainable, flame-retardant polymeric materials is presented, using examples from the literature and by sketching our own projects performed in recent years. The examples are structured along a common theme leading from the use of old and new natural materials with some intrinsic flame retardancy, via flame-retardant biopolymers and biocomposites, to using renewable sources for flame retardants with the objective of exploiting natural sources available as industrial waste streams. Natural flame retardants and adjuvants are highlighted, although the status of most may be assessed as merely motivating our vision. Nevertheless, there are natural material streams finding their way into polymer mass production as fillers, adjuvants, polymers, or renewable educt sources. Natural substances originating from industrial waste streams open the door to sustainable solutions, because they are often available at low cost and avoid competition for land with farming or virgin forests. Aside from this main topic, remarks will address the recycling of flame-retarded polymeric materials; vitrimers are mentioned as a potential material for recyclable thermosets. At the end of the day, only convincing property profiles will prevail both for exploiting renewable sources and circular design, including cost effectiveness, sufficient availability, consistent quality, processibility, mechanical properties, and flame retardancy. However, sustainability must not be merely tolerated as an additional demand, but should instead be recognized as a solution, because sustainability aspires to ensure our economic welfare now and in the future.
Acknowledgement:
The examples shown from own project were supported by funding grants: BMBF WTZ: 01DN16040, DFG Scha 730/19-1, VW-Stiftung: Experiment No: 97437, DFG Scha 730/20-1, BMBF KMU Innovativ 031B1289B.
Only the nano-scaled structure of the nanocomposite and the dispersion of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix harbor multifunctional potential including superior fire retardancy. Thus, this chapter focuses on the dispersion of nanoplates, based mainly on studies of layered silicates and graphene/graphene-related nanoplates. The nanostructure and properties of the nanocomposites are dependent mainly on thermodynamic and kinetic factors during preparation. Improving nano-dispersion often directly improves flame retardancy. Therefore, the modification of the nanoplates as well as the preparation of nanocomposites becomes very important to control this dispersion. The dispersion of nanoplates functions as a prerequisite for the formation of an efficient protective layer, changing the melt flow and dripping behavior, or the improvement of the char properties.
Polyamide 4.6 (PA46) is a high-heat-resistant polymer, but it has no dripping resistance under fire. Three commercial grades of PA46 are investigated under UL 94 vertical fire test conditions. Their performances are discussed based on the materials’ structural, thermal, and rheological properties. PA46 presents flaming drops, whereas dripping is prevented in the flame-retarded PA46.
Friction-modified PA46 has increased flaming dripping. Temperature profiles of the specimens under fire and the temperature of the drops are measured by thermocouples. A UL 94 vertical test configuration consisting of two flame applications is designed to assess the quantitative dripping behavior of the set of materials by the particle finite element method (PFEM). Polymer properties (activation energy and Arrhenius coefficient of decomposition, char yield, density, effective heat of combustion, heat of decomposition, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity) in addition to rheological responses in high temperatures are estimated and measured as input parameters for the simulations. The dripping behavior obtained by simulated materials corresponds with the experimental results in terms of time and drop size. A consistent picture of the interplay of the different phenomena controlling dripping under fire appears to deliver a better understanding of the role of different materials’ properties
The addition of nanoparticles as reinforcing fillers in elastomers yields nanocomposites with unique property profiles, which opens the door for various new application fields. Major factors influencing the performance of nanocomposites are studied by varying the type and shape of nanoparticles and their dispersion in the natural rubber matrix. The industrial applicability of these nanocomposites is put into focus using two types of graphene and a nanoscale carbon black, all commercially available, and scalable processing techniques in the form of a highly filled masterbatch production via latex premixing by simple stirring or ultrasonically assisted dispersing with surfactant followed by conventional two-roll milling and hot pressing. Different processing and measurement methods reveal the potential for possible improvements: rheology, curing behavior, static and dynamic mechanical properties, swelling, and fire behavior. The aspect ratio of the nanoparticles and their interaction with the surrounding matrix prove to be crucial for the development of superior nanocomposites. An enhanced dispersing method enables the utilization of the improvement potential at low filler loadings (3 parts per hundred of rubber [phr]) and yields multifunctional rubber nanocomposites: two-dimensional layered particles (graphene) result in anisotropic material behavior with strong reinforcement in the in-plane direction (157% increase in the Young's modulus). The peak heat release rate in the cone calorimeter is reduced by 55% by incorporating 3 phr of few-layer graphene via an optimized dispersing process.
A series of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs) were prepared with single and different combinations of flame retardants and additives. Expandable graphite (EG), phosphorous polyol (OP), copper (II) oxide (CuO), and/or castor oil (CAS) were added to FPUF during the foam preparation in a one-step process. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the synergistic effects of the flame retardants, additives, and the presence of bio-based content on the mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and smoke behavior of FPUFs. The combination of 10 wt % EG and 5 wt % OP in FPUF significantly improves the char yield. In the cone calorimeter experiment, the char yield is nearly three times higher than that with 10 wt % EG alone. The smoke behavior is additionally evaluated in a smoke density chamber (SDC). Comparing the samples with a single flame retardant, 10 wt % EG in FPUF considerably reduces the amount of smoke released and the emission of toxic gases. Replacing the amount of 10 wt % polyether polyol in FPUF with CAS maintains the physical and mechanical properties and fire behavior and enhances the bio-based content. The presence of 0.1 wt % CuO in FPUF effectively reduces the emission of hydrogen cyanide. As a result, this study proposes a multicomponent flame retardant strategy for FPUF to enhance the biomass content and address the weaknesses in flame retardancy, smoke, and toxic gas emissions. A starting point is disclosed for future product development.
A few layer/multilayer graphene (MLG) with a specific surface area of BET ≥ 250 m2/g is proposed as an efficient multifunctional nanofiller for rubbers. The preparation method, i.e., ultrasonically-assisted solution or latex premixing of master batches followed by conventional two-roll milling, strongly influences the dispersion in the elastomeric matrix and is fundamental for the final properties. When homogenously dispersed, single stacks of only approximately 10 graphene sheets, with an aspect ratio of ca. 35, work at low loadings, enabling the replacement of large amounts of carbon black (CB), an increase in efficiency, and a reduction in filler load. The appropriate preparation yielded nanocomposites in which just 3 phr are sufficient to significantly improve the rheological, curing, gas barrier properties, electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as mechanical properties of different rubbers, as shown for chlorine-Isobutylene-Isoprene rubber (CIIR), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), natural rubber (NR), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).[1-5] 3 phr of MLG tripled the Young’s modulus of CIIR, an effect equivalent to 20 phr of CB. The stronger interactions between MLG and NR or SBR also resulted in a reduction in the elongation at break by 20% and 50%, respectively, while the same parameter was hardly changed for CIIR/MLG and NBR/MLG. CIIR/MLG and NBR/MLG were stiffer but just as defomable than CIIR and NBR. The strong reinforcing effect of 3 phr MLG was confirmed by the increase of greater than 10 Shore A in hardness. MLG reduces gas permeability, increases thermal and electrical conductivities, and retards flammability. We investigated MLG also as a synergist for reducing the aluminium trihydrate loading in flame retardant hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene (HNBR), polybutadiene chloroprene (BR/CR), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber(CSM).[6-8] The higher the nanofiller concentration is, the greater the improvement in the properties. For instance, the permeability decreased by 30% at 3 phr of MLG, 50% at 5 phr and 60% at 10 phr, respectively. Moreover, the MLG nanocomposites improve stability of mechanical properties against the effects of weathering. In key experiments an increase in UV-absorption and a pronounced radical scavenging were proved as stabilizing mechanisms. In a nutshell, MLG is an efficient multifunctional nanofiller ready to be used for innovative rubber development.
As most of polymeric materials are inherently flammable, flame retardants (FR) are commonly used to reduce their fire risks. Nevertheless, these flame retardant materials are often detrimental to smoke parameters like specific optical density or smoke toxicity. The influence of several smoke suppressants (SP)-zinc stannate, zinc phosphate, titanium oxide and hydrotalcite-were investigated with respect to flame retardancy, smoke emission, particle emission and smoke toxicity in a diethyl aluminum phosphinate (AlPi) flame retardant polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6). It was shown that the interaction between SP, FR and polymer is crucial for smoke and fire properties and can change the mode of action of the FR as well the decomposition mechanism of the polymer. Small amounts of SP show less effect on forced flaming behavior and the optical density, but they can influence flammability and the particle size distribution of the soot particles. The flame retardancy was significantly enhanced by 5 wt.-% zinc stannate in PA6.6 under forced flaming conditions. The charring mechanism was improved, and the mode of action of AlPi switched from the gas to the condensed phase. This resulted of in a reduced PHRR and TSP and an increase in residue yield. The smoke toxicity and optical density were reduced in the smoke density chamber as well. The smoke particles shifted to smaller sizes as the time in the pyrolytic zone increased. The formation of a dense char is assumed to be the key factor to enhance smoke suppression and flame retardancy properties.
We report the selective ring opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of
oxetane and phthalic thioanhydride by a heterobimetallic Cr(III)K
catalyst precisely yielding semi-crystalline alternating poly(esteralt-
thioesters) which show improved degradability due to the
thioester links in the polymer backbone.
Short overview is given of BAM's research within the topic "Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials". Fire science is identified as a crucial compentenc of BAM following our mission "Safety in Technology and Chemistry". In the area of polymers we work interdisciplinary, in the dimensions from nm to 2m, and we love to combine experiment and simulation. Multimethodical examples are given to describe the burning phenomena and flame-retardant modes of action. Further some examples are presented for tailored bench-scale fire testing and assessing concepts. Our goal is to provide the fundaments for a evidenced-based development of future materials.
The residual post-fire mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites are influenced by their fire residues after burning. This study uses intumescent/low-melting glass flame retardants to tailor fire residues in epoxy resin. Processibility of prepregs and their quality are analysed for transfer of the flame-retardant epoxy resins to layered glass-fiber reinforced composites. Minimal effects were found on the pre-fire flexural strengths of the composites due to low loading of the flame retardants. However, when transferred to glass-fiber reinforced composites, the fire residues diminish significantly. Further studies are required to improve theoretical and experimental estimations of the post-fire mechanics of the composites.
Due to the high flammability and smoke toxicity of polyurethane foams (PUFs) during burning, distinct efficient combinations of flame retardants are demanded to improve the fire safety of PUFs in practical applications. This feature article focuses on one of the most impressive halogen-free combinations in PUFs: expandable graphite (EG) and phosphorus-based flame retardants (P-FRs). The synergistic effect of EG and P-FRs mainly superimposes the two modes of action, charring and maintaining a thermally insulating residue morphology, to bring effective flame retardancy to PUFs. Specific interactions between EG and P-FRs, including the agglutination of the fire residue consisting of expanded-graphite worms, yields an outstanding synergistic effect, making this approach the latest champion to fulfill the demanding requirements for flame-retarded PUFs. Current and future topics such as the increasing use of renewable feedstock are also discussed in this article.
A few layer/multilayer graphene (MLG) with a specific surface area of BET=250 m2/g is proposed as an efficient multifunctional nanofiller for rubbers. The preparation method, i.e., ultrasonically-assisted solution mixing of master batches followed by two-roll milling, strongly influences the dispersion in the elastomeric matrix and is fundamental for the final properties. When homogenously dispersed, single stacks of only approximately 10 graphene sheets, with an aspect ratio of 34, work at low loadings, enabling the replacement of large amounts of carbon black (CB), an increase in efficiency, and a reduction in filler load. The appropriate preparation yielded nanocomposites in which just 3 phr are sufficient to significantly improve the rheological, curing, gas barrier properties, electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as mechanical properties of different rubbers, as shown for chlorine-Isobutylene-Isoprene rubber (CIIR), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), natural rubber (NR), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). 3 phr of MLG tripled the Young’s modulus of CIIR, an effect equivalent to 20 phr of CB. The stronger interactions between MLG and NR or SBR also resulted in a reduction in the elongation at break by 20% and 50%, respectively, while the same parameter was hardly changed for CIIR/MLG and NBR/MLG. CIIR/MLG and NBR/MLG were stiffer but just as defomable than CIIR and NBR. The strong reinforcing effect of 3 phr MLG was confirmed by the increase of greater than 10 Shore A in hardness. MLG reduces gas permeability, increases thermal and electrical conductivities, and retards flammability, the latter shown by the reduction in heat release rate in the cone calorimeter. We investigated MLG also as a synergist for reducing the aluminium trihydrate loading in flame retardant hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene (HNBR), polybutadiene chloroprene (BR/CR), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber(CSM). The higher the nanofiller concentration is, the greater the improvement in the properties. For instance, the permeability decreased by 30% at 3 phr of MLG, 50% at 5 phr and 60% at 10 phr, respectively. Moreover, the MLG nanocomposites improve stability of mechanical properties against the effects of weathering. In key experiments an increase in UV-absorption and a pronounced radical scavenging were proved as stabilizing mechanisms. In a nutshell, MLG is an efficient multifunctional nanofiller ready to be used for innovative rubber development.
Emanating from developing flame retarded biocomposites, we have proposed renewable natural fibers (including keratin) taken from industrial waste as an authentic sustainable approach. More recently, we have investigated non-vegan flame retardant approaches. This paper loves to give you an insight into our ongoing projects on biogenic industrial wastes like leather, bone meal, and insects. Materials were characterized multi-methodically, flame retardant modes of action quantified, decomposition mechanism proposed, and synergisms explained. Considering the large quantities of leather waste (LW) in industrial-scale production, we underline LW as multifunctional bio-adjuvants. LW enhances the flame retardancy of poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA) containing phosphorus flame retardants (P-FR). Products/by-products of the invertebrate and vertebrate farming, respectively, are promising bio-based adjuvants in flame retarded bio-epoxy thermosets. While the addition of bone meal yields the formation of an inorganic shield, protein-based powders from insects provide an intumescent behavior. In combination with a P-FR superior charring and self-extinguishing are obtained.
Acknowledgement: In part of this work was supported by the Volkswagen Foundation grant “Experiment!” No. 97437.
Leather is considered a luxury good when used in seating and upholstery. To improve safety, flame retardancy in leather is usually achieved through various finishing processes such as spray or roller coating. These treatments require processing steps that cost time and are laborintensive. One avenue to achieving flame retardancy in leather is to add flame retardants during the tanning process. However, the influence on flame retardancy exerted by specific intumescent additives specifically added during leather tanning has yet to be investigated. This work explores the roles played by intumescent additive compounds in flame retarding leather when they are added during tanning instead of applied as a coating. Via a systematic investigation of various compound mixtures, the flame retardant effects in the condensed and the gas phases are elucidated. The results show a strong impact of melamine in the gas phase and of polyphosphates in the condensed phase. Their impact was quantified in fire and smoke analysis, showing a 14% reduction in the peak of heat release rate, strongly reduced burning lengths, and a 20% reduction in total smoke release compared to nontreated leather. These results illuminate the key role played by specific compounds in the flame retardancy of leather, particularly when they are added specifically during the tanning process instead of being applied as a coating.
This method has great potential to reduce processing steps, lower costs, and improve material safety.
Polyurethane foams (PUF) are generally flammable, so they are limited in some applications due to strict fire safety requirements. In this study, three distinct industrial benchmark polyurethane foams containing synergistic combinations of expandable graphite (EG) and phosphorous flame retardants (P-FR) were investigated one by one for their fire performance and smoke behavior. This paper aims to substantiate the hypothesis that the combination of EG and P-FR used in polyurethane foams yields a top-notch composite in terms of flame retardancy and smoke behavior by meeting the demanding requirement of low maximum average heat emission (MARHE) and smoke emission in a variety of applications, like advanced materials in construction, lightweight materials for railways, and more.
Material solutions that meet both circular bioeconomy policies and high technical requirements have become a matter of particular interest. In this work, a prospectively abundant proteinrich waste resource for the manufacturing of flame-retardant epoxy biocomposites, as well as for the synthesis of biobased flame retardants or adjuvants, is introduced. Different biomass fillers sourced from the cultivation of the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor are embedded in a bioepoxy resin cured with tannic acid and investigated regarding the fire performance of the thermosets. By means of spectroscopic and thermal analysis (attenuated total reflectance FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis-coupled FTIR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry), the influence of the biomass microparticles on the curing and thermal degradation behavior is evaluated. The final performance of the biocomposites is assessed based on fire testing methodology (limited oxygen index, UL-94, and cone calorimetry). Providing a high charring efficiency in the specific tannic acid-based epoxy matrix, the protein-rich adult beetle is further investigated in combination with commercial environmentally benign flame retardants in view of its potential as an adjuvant. The results highlight a char forming effect of nonvegan fillers in the presence of tannic acid, particularly during thermal decomposition, and point toward the potential of protein-based flame retardants from industrial insect rearing for future formulations.
Reaktive Brandschutzsysteme finden im baulichen Brandschutz Anwendung zur Erhöhung des Feuerwiderstands von Stahlkonstruktionen. Neben den Anforderungen an die Feuerwiderstandsdauer können damit auch Ansprüche an die Ästhetik erfüllt werden. Die profilfolgende Applikation und die geringen Trockenschichtdicken der Produkte ermöglichen es, das filigrane Erscheinungsbild von Stahlkonstruktionen aufrechtzuerhalten. Neben der thermischen Schutzwirkung muss auch die Dauerhaftigkeit der Brandschutzbeschichtung sichergestellt werden. Die Bewertungsmethoden, die auf europäischer Ebene durch das EAD 350402-00-1106 zur Verfügung stehen, zielen auf eine Nutzungsdauer von zehn Jahren ab. Prüfverfahren für einen darüber hinausgehenden Zeitraum sind nicht beschrieben. In diesem Beitrag werden experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Einfluss der Bewitterung auf das Expansionsverhalten, zur thermischen Schutzwirkung und zu den während des Aufschäumens im Brandfall stattfindenden Reaktionen vorgestellt. Die Versuche wurden an einem wasserbasierten und einem epoxidharzbasierten reaktiven Brandschutzsystem durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse wurden im Rahmen des IGF-Forschungsvorhabens 20470 N erzielt.
Investigation of the Thermal Stability of Proteinase K for the Melt Processing of Poly(L‑lactide)
(2022)
The enzymatic degradation of aliphatic polyesters offers unique opportunities for various use cases in materials science. Although evidently desirable, the implementation of enzymes in technical applications of polyesters is generally challenging due to the thermal lability of enzymes. To prospectively overcome this intrinsic limitation, we here explored the thermal stability of proteinase K at conditions applicable for polymer melt processing, given that this hydrolytic enzyme is well established for its ability to degrade poly(L-lactide) (PLLA). Using assorted spectroscopic methods and enzymatic assays, we investigated the effects of high temperatures on the structure and specific activity of proteinase K. Whereas in solution, irreversible unfolding occurred at temperatures above 75−80 °C, in the dry, bulk state, proteinase K withstood prolonged incubation at elevated temperatures. Unexpectedly little activity loss occurred during incubation at up to 130 °C, and intermediate levels of catalytic activity were preserved at up to 150 °C. The resistance of bulk proteinase K to thermal treatment was slightly enhanced by absorption into polyacrylamide (PAM) particles. Under these conditions, after 5 min at a temperature of 200 °C, which is required for the melt processing of PLLA, proteinase K was not completely denatured but retained around 2% enzymatic activity. Our findings reveal that the thermal processing of proteinase K in the dry state is principally feasible, but equally, they also identify needs and prospects for improvement. The experimental pipeline we establish for proteinase K analysis stands to benefit efforts directed to this end. More broadly, our work sheds light on enzymatically degradable polymers and the thermal processing of enzymes, which are of increasing economical and societal relevance.
Composites in Fire and Flame
(2022)
Overview over the research results of the BAM in the field fire retardancy of composites. In different applications the flame retardancy of composites targets on different fire protection goals in the fire scenarios ignition, developing fire, and fully developed fire. Efficient solutions are tailored to pass a distinct fire test and to fit to a specific material. Flame inhibition as main flame retardancy mode of action combined with a minor mode of action in the condensed phase is general very efficient approach for composites. Alternatively residue design is demanded to achieve good results with only condensed phase mechanisms. Improving the fire stability asks for protective fire residues.
In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde die Degradation der polymeren Matrix von flammgeschützten Polymeren eingehend untersucht. Erst in den letzten Jahren jedoch hat sich die Frage der Lebensdauer der Funktionalität des Flammschutzes selbst als wichtige Fragestellung herauskristallisiert, z.B. bei Kabeln. Deshalb sollte diese Fragestellung durch systematisch-variierte künstliche Klima- und Bewitterungstests an flammgeschützten Polymerwerkstoffen untersucht werden.
The important take home message of this chapter: When multicomponent flame retardant systems are applied to polymeric materials, it becomes possible to address multiple fire properties, increase efficiency, and minimize flame retardant use to maximize polymer property balance. Flame retardants are combined or used together with adjuvants or synergists; fibers and fillers make a crucial contribution to their fire properties. Multicomponent systems are discussed in their capacity as an overall powerful strategy for achieving and optimizing non-halogenated flame-retardant polymeric materials.
Valorizing “non-vegan” bio-fillers: Synergists for phosphorus flame retardants in epoxy resins
(2022)
Sustainable, biogenic flame retardant adjuvants for epoxy resins are receiving increased focus. Zoological products like insects, bone meal, and eggshells are available in large quantities, but remain uninvestigated as functional fillers to epoxy resins, although they are potential synergists to flame retardants. The efficacy and flame retardancy of “non-vegan” additives in combination with flame retardants is investigated and the fire behavior and thermal decomposition of bio-sourced epoxy resin composites is characterized. By comparing the fire performance of composites containing flame retardants or fillers at varying loadings (5, 10, and 20%), their role as synergists that enhance the function of organophosphorus flame retardants in bio-epoxy composites is identified and quantified. Peak heat release rates were 44% lower in composites containing both filler and flame retardant versus those containing only flame retardants, and fire loads were reduced by 44% versus the pure resin, highlighting the ability of “non-vegan” fillers to function as synergists.
A systematic series of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUF) with different concentrations of flame retardants, bis([dimethoxyphosphoryl]methyl) phenyl phosphate (BDMPP), and melamine (MA) or expandable graphite (EG) was prepared. The mechanical properties of the FPUFs were evaluated by a universal testing machine. The pyrolysis behaviors and the evolved gas analysis were done by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and TGA coupled with Fourier-transform infrared (TG-FTIR), respectively. The fire behaviors were studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 test for horizontal burning of cellular materials (UL 94 HBF), and cone calorimeter measurement. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the cellular structure's morphology and the postfire char residue of the FPUFs. LOI and UL 94 HBF tests of all the flame retarded samples show improved flame retardancy. BDMPP plays an essential role in the gas phase because it significantly reduces the effective heat of combustion (EHC). This study highlights the synergistic effect caused by the combination of BDMPP and EG. The measured char yield from TGA is greater than the sum of individual effects. No dripping phenomenon occurs during burning for FPUF-BDMPP-EGs, as demonstrated by the result of the UL 94 HBF test. EG performs excellently on smoke suppression during burning, as evident in the result of the cone calorimeter test. MA reduces the peak heat release rate (pHRR) significantly. The synergistic effect of the combination of BDMPP and EG as well as MA offers an approach to enhance flame retardancy and smoke suppression.
Simulation of the burning and dripping cables in fire using the particle finite element method
(2022)
The behavior of the cable jacket in fire characterized by the tendency to melt and drip constitutes a major source of fire hazard. The reason is that the melted material may convey the flame from one point to another, expanding fire and contributing to the fire load. In this article, the capability of a new computational strategy based on the particle finite element method for simulating a bench-scale cables burning test is analyzed. The use bench-scale test has been previously used to simulate the full-scale test described in EN 50399. As the air effect is neglected, a simple combustion model is included. The samples selected are two cables consisting of a copper core and differently flame retarded thermoplastic polyurethane sheets. The key modeling parameters were determined from different literature sources as well as experimentally. During the experiment, the specimen was burned under the test set-up condition recording the process and measuring the temperature evolution by means of three thermocouples. Next, the test was reproduced numerically and compared with a real fire test. The numerical results show that the particle finite element method can accurately predict the evolution of the temperature and the melting of the jacket.
The incorporation of nanoparticles like multilayer graphene (MLG) into elastomeric composites boosts their technical performance, such as their mechanical behavior and electrical conductivity. Common filler types (carbon black (CB) and aluminum trihydroxide (ATH)) generally fulfill single, specific purposes and are often used in high loadings. CB typically reinforces rubber mechanically, while ATH increases flame retardancy. Small amounts of MLG reduce these high filler contents and maintain the multifunctional characteristics of rubber composites. In chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) + ATH, an intrinsically flame-retardant rubber was designed to achieve the highest standards such as maximum average of heat emission (MARHE) <90 kW m−2, 3 phrMLG was substituted for 15 phr CB and/or 3 phr ATH via an industrially applicable processing approach. Replacing either CB or ATH resulted in a property profile that was multifunctionally improved in terms of features such as mechanical performance, reduced sorption, and flame retardance. MLG nanocomposites are reported to show promise as an industrially utilizable route to obtain multifunctional high-performance rubbers.
The valorization of macroalgae digestate as a secondary resource for high value chemicals and nutrients will promote the sustainability and circularity of anaerobic digestion based biorefinery. In this study, three digestates from A. nodosum C.linum and L. digitata were separated into liquid and solid fractions to investigate the production of high value added chemicals through pyrolysis using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (Py-GC/MS) while the filtered liquid fractions were tested as an alternative culture media to grow C. sorokiniana under mixotrophic conditions. The digestates showed different thermal degradation and an improvement of bio-oil profiles compared to the starter material. Pyrolyzates from raw macroalgae were characterized by a high anhydrosugar content in contrast to high aromatics observed in the case of their digestates. Toluene, benzofuran and vinylphenol, base chemicals for many industries, represented together 30–37% of the total chemicals produced during pyrolysis of the three macroalgae digestate. On the other hand, C. sorokiniana cultured on digestate-based media showed a higher lipid content with an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids and a lower poly-unsaturated fatty acid content in comparison to microalgae grown in standard tris-acetate-phosphate media. Thus, the acyl composition was shifted in a direction more suitable for biodiesel production by this process. In addition, the increase of Chemical Oxygen Demand and Volatile Fatty Acids concentration in the digestate was found to reduce ammonium toxicity. Finally, 94% of Chemical Oxygen Demand and 83% of ammonium were removed by microalgae from the digestate-based media which will reduce the pollution risk of the biorefinery. Overall, the results indicate that using macroalgae solid digestates can generate improvements in the quality of
products obtained by pyrolysis and the liquid digestate can positively influence microalgae growth and its products.
Overview of the state of the art and current trends with the main topics:
- renewable sources in flame retardant polymers (flame retarded bio-polymers and biocomposites; bio-flame retardants, renewable adjuvants from industrial waste)
- flame retardancy meets sustainability
- concepts between analogy and out-of-the-box.
Tailored crosslinking in elastomers is crucial for their technical applications. The incorporation of nanoparticles with high surface-to-volume ratios not only leads to the formation of physical networks and influences the ultimate performance of nanocomposites, but it also affects the chemical crosslinking reactions. The influence of few-layer graphene (FLG) on the crosslinking behavior of natural rubber is investigated. Four different curing systems, two sulfur-based with different accelerator-to-sulfur ratios, and two peroxide-based with different peroxide concentrations, are combined with different FLG contents. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), vulcametry (MDR) and swelling measurements, the results show an accelerating effect of FLG on the kinetics of the sulfur-based curing systems, with an exothermic reaction peak in DSC shifted to lower temperatures and lower scorch and curing times in the MDR. While a higher accelerator-to-sulfur ratio in combination with FLG leads to reduced crosslinking densities, the peroxide crosslinkers are hardly affected by the presence of FLG. The good agreement of crosslink densities obtained from the swelling behavior confirms the suitability of vulcameter measurements for monitoring the complex vulcanization process of such nanocomposite systems in a simple and efficient way. The reinforcing effect of FLG shows the highest relative improvements in weakly crosslinked nanocomposites.
Überblick über den State-of-the-Art und aktuelle Trends mit den Schwerpunkten:
- nachwachsende Rohstoffe in flammgeschützten Polymerwerkstoffen (flammgeschützte Biopolymere und Biokomposite; biomass-basierte Flammschutzmittel, nachwachsende Hilfsstoffe aus Abfallströmen)
- Nachhaltigkeit und Flammschutz
- Konzepte von Analogie bis Out-of-the-Box.
Im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes IGF 20470N wurden Untersuchungen zum Alterungsverhalten von reaktiven Brandschutzsystemen (RBS) auf Stahlbauteilen durchgeführt. Mithilfe der Ergebnisse einer umfangreichen Literaturrecherche sowie experimentellen und numerischen Untersuchungen sollte ein Vorschlag für ein Prüfkonzept zum Nachweis einer Nutzungsdauer von RBS von mehr als 10 Jahren auf Basis von Kurzzeitversuchen abgeleitet werden. Dabei setzt die Bewertung des Alterungsverhaltens von RBS voraus, dass die Mechanismen der Alterung hinreichend bekannt sind.
Dafür wurden zunächst systematisch Daten von Kurz- und Langzeitversuchen von nationalen Zulassungsprüfungen der letzten Jahrzehnte ausgewertet. Anschließend wurden umfangreiche experimentelle Untersuchungen an einer wasserbasierten sowie einer epoxidharzbasierten Richtrezeptur durchgeführt. Da aus der Literatur bekannt ist, dass die Einflüsse der Bewitterung zu einer Veränderung der Konzentration der Bestandteile innerhalb der Beschichtung führen können, wurden Untersuchungen mit Mangelrezepturen durchgeführt, wobei systematisch einzelne Bestandteile reduziert wurden. Neben optischen Untersuchungen wurden thermoanalytische Verfahren (DSC-TG-, ATR-FTIR-, Elementar-, Farbanalyse) angewandt sowie Brandversuche an beschichteten Stahlplatten durchgeführt. Des Weiteren wurden die Richtrezepturen den beschleunigten Kurzzeitversuchen gemäß EAD 350402-00-1106 (2017) unterzogen, welche die Zulassung von Produkten auf europäischer Ebene regelt. Für die wasserbasierte Richtrezeptur wurden die Bewitterung für den feuchten Innenraum (Typ Z1) mehrfach wiederholt (1x, 3x, 6x). Für die epoxidharzbasierte Richtrezeptur entsprach die Bewitterung dem Zyklus für die Außenanwendung (Typ X). In Brandversuchen sowie thermoanalytischen und optischen Untersuchungen wurde das Alterungsverhalten sowie die thermische Schutzwirkung analysiert.
Anschließend wurden numerische Simulationen von Stahlbauteilen mit gealterten RBS durchgeführt und anhand der experimentellen Untersuchungen validiert. Mithilfe der numerischen Modelle kann eine Bewertung der thermischen Schutzwirkung von Stahlbauteilen mit gealterten RBS vorgenommen werden.
Mithilfe der gesammelten Erkenntnisse wurde ein Vorschlag für ein Prüfkonzept für den Nachweis einer Nutzungsdauer von mehr als 10 Jahren abgeleitet. Das Prüfkonzept besteht dabei aus einem Katalog von Möglichkeiten, die aktuellen Zulassungsprüfungen auf europäischer Ebene für eine Nutzungsdauer von 10 Jahren auf einen längeren Zeitraum zu erweitern.
Die Forderung, dass der Flammschutz von Kunststoffen nicht nur zum bei der Herstellung der jeweiligen Produkte, sondern auch über die gesamte Einsatzdauer im geforderten Maß wirksam ist, stellt eine große Aufgabe dar. Ferner ist die Anforderung für viele Produkte in der Praxis neu, da bisher vor allem der Einfluss der Flammschutzmittel auf die Stabilität der Polymerwerkstoffe, nicht aber die Stabilität des Flammschutzes untersucht wurde. Das Langzeitverhalten halogenfreier Systeme ist bis heute wenig untersucht, insbesondere weil Phosphor- und Stickstoff-basierte Systeme die oxidative Beständigkeit von Polymeren weniger zu beeinflussen scheinen als halogenhaltige FSM. Die Frage, wie zuverlässig der Flammschutz wirkt, wenn Kunststoffe einige Jahre im Innen- und Außenbereich im Einsatz sind und dabei wechselnden Beanspruchungen ausgesetzt waren, wurde bislang nur vereinzelt untersucht. Mögliche Auswirkungen von Witterungseinflüssen auf flammgeschützte Polymerwerkstoffe sind, dass die Flammschutzmittel selbst abbauen, ausgewaschen werden, oder auch durch Wechselwirkung mit den eingesetzten Additiven oder mit den Alterungsprodukten der Polymermatrix in ihrer Wirkung nachlassen. Hier bestand großer Forschungsbedarf, um an den Punkt zu gelangen, die Beständigkeit der Flammschutzeigenschaften eines Produktes über seine gesamte Lebensdauer zuverlässig garantieren zu können. Diese Fragestellung greift das durchgeführte Forschungsvorhaben auf.
Ziel war die Untersuchung der Langzeitstabilität der Flammschutzwirkung von halogenfrei flammgeschützten Polymerwerkstoffen unter diversen Witterungseinflüssen. Dazu wurden die Schädigungsmechanismen der Polymerwerkstoffe und der Flammschutzmittel sowie die auftretenden Wechselwirkungen analysiert, um ein Verständnis für die ablaufenden Prozesse zu entwickeln und Empfehlung für die Reduzierung der Alterung zu erarbeiten. Gegenstand der Untersuchungen waren anwendungsrelevante Flammschutz-Konzepte, die miteinander verglichen wurden. Die Erarbeitung von Struktur-Eigenschafts-Beziehungen ermöglichte die Beschreibung der Empfindlichkeiten und den Vergleich zwischen den Systemen. Darauf basierend wurden für die FSM spezifische Leitlinien für die Optimierung der Langzeitstabilität des Flammschutzes erstellt.
A phosphorous soybean-oil–based polyol was derived via epoxidation and ring opening reaction as an alternative to petrochemical-based polyol for the synthesis of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs). 5-wt.% and 10-wt.% of expandable graphite (EG) were added to further improve flame retardancy. The mechanical properties (tensile strength and compression stress) of the foams were investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) were conducted to evaluate the pyrolysis; limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 and cone calorimeter were performed to analyze the fire performance of the foams; smoke density chamber was used to investigate the smoke released during burning. When 10-wt.% of EG was used, the flame retardancy of the foams was much enhanced due to the synergistic effect between phosphorus and EG. The char yield was three times higher (54wt.%). The fire load MARHE approached 100 kWm−2, half of the value expected for a superposition. The combination of phosphorous polyols and EG is proposed as strategy for future flame retarded FPUFs.
Three novel liquid ethyl (diethoxymethyl)phosphinate derivatives (EDPs) were synthesized and incorporated into flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs). The flame retardancy of FPUFs were evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning and cone calorimetry tests, and the results indicated the structure-flame retardancy relationship of EDPs. Among these EDPs, P-(diethoxymethyl)-N-phenylphosphonamidate (EDPPA) exhibited the best flame retardant effect, methyl 3-((diethoxymethyl)(ethoxy)phosphoryl)propanoate (EDPMA) the second, and ethyl phenyl (di-ethoxymethyl)phosphonate (EDPPO) the worst. When the incorporation of EDPPA was 10 wt%, the FPUFs could self-extinguish and pass the vertical burning test. Meanwhile, the LOI value of FPUF-PA increased to 23.6% with 20 wt% loading of flame retardant. According to the investigation of volatiles during the thermal degradation of FPUFs and the morphologies of char residues after cone test, we inferred the pos- sible flame retardant mechanism. The results indicated that EDPs could release phosphorus-containing compounds in the gas phase, which would generate phosphorus-containing radicals and play the role of radical scavenger. In the condensed phase, EDPs can promote the formation of dense, intact and thermal stably char layer on the surface of FPUFs. Moreover, we found that the structure influence on flame retardancy was attributed to the atoms linked to the central phosphorus. Our results indicate that these EDPs are promising flame retardants in FPUFs that can be applied to improve the flame retardancy of FPUFs in various practical applications.
Biomass pre-treatments for bio-oil quality improvement are mainly based on thermal and chemical methods which are costly and hence reduce the sustainability of pyrolysis-based refineries. In this paper, anaerobic digestion (AD) and dark fermentation (DF) are proposed as alternative ‘green’ pre-treatments to improve this situation. For this purpose, three seaweeds namely Sargassum polycystum, (Phaephyta), Gracilaria tenuistipitata, (Rhodophyta) and Ulva reticulata, (Chlorophyta) with high ash and oxygen contents were pre-treated to improve their composition and structure prior to pyrolysis. The results reveal that both biological pre-treatments affected, positively, the composition and structure of the seaweed biomass with AD pre-treatment reducing N and S contents by 86% and 63%, respectively. DF was more efficient in terms of ash and moisture reduction with 25% and 70%, respectively. In addition, oxygen (O) reduction by 27% was observed after DF which was evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy indicating the reduction of most oxygen-containing functional groups in the biomass. On the other hand, the carbon (C) content increased in DF pre-treated seaweeds up to 42%, almost two times higher relative content than C in the raw seaweed. The changes in the composition of pre-treated seaweeds resulted in changes in their thermal degradation and the volatile profiles produced during pyrolysis. Interestingly, anhydrosugars and furans which account for some 70% (by area) in raw seaweeds markedly declined or become undetectable after DF pre-treatment and correspondingly more acetic acid and hydrocarbons were produced while after AD more aromatics with high toluene content (ca.17%) were generated. The results indicate that biooil with profiles more similar to petroleum-based composition i.e. rich in hydrocarbons and low in anhydrosugars, N and S can be generated by AD and DF pre-treatments and opens up the possibility of these approaches to effect cost reduction in the overall generation of bio-based fuels.
Fire resistance testing of components made of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) usually demands intermediate-scale or full-scale testing. A bench-scale test is presented as a practicable and efficient method to assess how different fire protective systems improve the structural integrity of CFRPs during fire. The direct flame of a fully developed fire was applied to one side of the CFRP specimen, which was simultaneously loaded with compressive force. Three different approaches (film, non-woven, and coatings) were applied: paper with a thickness in the range of μm consisting of cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/clay nanocomposite, nonwoven mats with thickness in the range of cm and intumescent coatings with a thickness in the range of mm. The uncoated specimen failed after just 17 s. Protection by these systems provides fire stability, as they multiply the time to failure by as much as up to 43 times. The reduced heating rates of the protected specimens demonstrate the reduced heat penetration, indicating the coatings’ excellent heat shielding properties. Bench-scale fire stability testing is shown to be suitable tool to identify, compare and assess different approaches to fire protection.
Efficient flame retardancy is often achieved only when applying multicomponent systems. Flame retardants are combined or used together with adjuvants or synergists; fibres and fillers contribute to fire properties crucially. Multicomponent systems are discussed in their capacity as general and powerful strategy for achieving and optimizing flame retardant polymeric materials.
Überblick über die Herausforderungen, Anforderungen und Lösungswege für den Flammschutz von Polyurethanwerkstoffen (thermoplastisches und elastomeres Polyurethan (TPU, PUR), PUR Hard- und Weichschäume, PIR, PUR Coatings). Die Werkstoffcharakteristika wie Pyrolyse, effektive Verbrennungswärme, Rückstandsausbeute, Verarbeitungsparameter und kg-Preis definieren die Anforderungen an Flammschutzlösungen. Der Flammschutz ist spezifisch für das Material ausgelegt, aber auch für die verschiedenen Anwendungen (Automobilbau, Schienenfahrzeuge, Bauwesen, Elektrotechnik, usw.), d.h. um spezielle Brandtests zu bestehen. Die Pyrolyse und das Brandverhalten von PUR und PUR-Schäumen sowie der flammgeschützten Varianten wird diskutiert. Die gängigen Flammschutzmittel(-kombinationen) werden zusammengefasst und mit Beispielen belegt.
A rigid aromatic phosphorus-containing hyperbranched flame retardant structure is synthesized from 10-(2,5 dihydroxyphenyl)-10H-9-oxa-
10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO-HQ), tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)phosphine oxide (THPPO), and 1,4-terephthaloyl chloride (TPC). The resulting poly-(DOPO-HQ/THPPO-terephthalate) (PDTT) is implemented as a flame retardant into an epoxy resin (EP) at a 10 wt% loading. The effects on EP are compared with those of the monomer DOPO-HQ and triphenylphosphine oxide (OPPh3) as low molar mass flame retardants. The glass transition temperature, thermal decomposition, flammability (reaction to small flame), and burning behavior of the thermosets are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry, UL 94-burning chamber testing, and cone calorimeter measurements.
Although P-contents are low at only 0.6 wt%, the study aims not at attaining V-0, but at presenting a proof of principle: Epoxy resinswith PDTT show promising fire performance, exhibiting a 25% reduction in total heat evolved (THE), a 30% reduction in peak heat release rate (PHRR) due to flame inhibition (21% reduction in effective heat of combustion (EHC)), and an increase in Tg at the same time. This study indicates that rigid aromatic hyperbranched polymeric structures offer a promising route toward multifunctional flame retardancy.
The Burning of Plastics
(2021)
The burning of a polymer is a physico–chemical process strongly influenced by the coupling of a chemical reaction – oxidation of fuel – in the gas phase with a chemical decomposition reaction – pyrolysis – in the condensed phase via heat and mass transfer. The heat and mass flux control the intensity of fire and the ablation of fuel. Indeed, the temperature profile as a function of time may be one of the most important responses of a specimen to understand its burning behavior. Further, several physical phenomena, such as the heat absorption of the materials, thermal conductivity, and also melt flow and dripping, play a major role in determining ignition, flammability, and fire behavior. The burning of a polymer is very complex. The various phenomena interact with each other, e. g., pyrolysis also influences the viscosity of the melt, and, thus, whether dripping or charring results in a protective layer, increasing the shielding effect of the residual protective layer. Only a detailed and comprehensive description opens the door to a well-founded understanding of the burning behavior of polymeric materials.
Leather is among the most ancient, widely used materials worldwide. Industrial-scale leather production produces large quantities of organic waste attained during shaving and buffing steps during processing. In this study, leather wastes (LW) are used as fillers in flame retarded polymer composites. LW is investigated as a multifunctional bio-filler that enhances the fire performance of flame retarded poly(ethylene–vinyl acetate) (EVA) containing phosphorus flame retardants (P-FRs) ammonium polyphosphate (APP) or a melamine-encapsulated APP (eAPP). Using LW from tanneries as adjuvants to enhance P-FRs in EVA reduces industrial wastes that otherwise require costly waste management solutions. Materials are characterized multi-methodically via mechanical tests, electron microscopy, rheology, thermogravimetric analysis, evolved gas analysis, and condensed phase FTIR, also reaction-to-small-flames and cone calorimeter tests. EVA containing 10 wt-% LW and 20 wt-% P-FRs achieve 20% reductions in fire loads versus EVA, and up to 10% reduction in effective heats of combustion versus EVA with equal (30 wt-%) P-FR loadings. Enhanced char stabilization of EVA composites with LW and P-FRs lowered peaks of heat release rates up to 53% compared to EVA, and up to 40% compared to equal P-FRs loadings. Synergisms between LW and P-FRs in EVA are quantified. A chemical decomposition mechanism is proposed.
The durability of flame retardancy is a challenge for cables over long lifetimes. The degradation of flame retardance is investigated in two kinds of exposures, artificial weathering and humidity. In this basic study, typical mineral flame retardants in two polymers frequently used in cable jackets are investigated to get the fundamental picture. Aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MDH) are compared in ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA), and further in EVA and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) cables containing the same ATH. The changes in chemical structure at the surface are studied through attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), the formation of cracks, and changes in color are investigated. The cone calorimeter and a bench scale fire testing cable module are utilized to evaluate the fire behavior of the cables. Although the flame retardancy deteriorated slightly, it survived harsh exposure conditions for 2000 h. Compared to EVA/MDH and LLDPE/ATH, the fire behavior of EVA/ATH is the least sensitive. Taken together, all of the results converge to estimate that there will be no problem with flame retardancy performance, for materials subjected to natural exposure for several years; the durability of fire retardancy is questionable for longer periods, and thus requires further investigation.
A systematic approach was used to investigate the weathering-induced degradation of a common water–based intumescent coating. In this study, the coatings are intended for humid indoor applications on steel substrates. The coating contains ammonium polyphosphate, pentaerythritol, melamine, and polyvinyl acetate. By replacing each ingredient with a less water-soluble substance, the most vulnerable substances, polyvinyl acetate and pentaerythritol, were identified. Furthermore, the weathering resistance of the system was improved by exchanging the ingredients. The coatings were stressed by artificial weathering tests and evaluated by fire tests. Thermogravimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to study the thermal decomposition. This study lays the foundation for the development of a new generation of water-based intumescent coatings.
To curtail flammability risks and improve material properties, flame retardants (FRs) and fillers are mixed into rubbers. High loadings of aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) and carbon black (CB) are the most used FRs and reinforcing additive, respectively, in rubbers. To reduce loading without losing mechanical properties, partial substitution of ATH as well as CB by low amounts of multilayer graphene (MLG) nanoparticles is investigated. The high aspect ratio MLG is made of ten graphene sheets. In polybutadiene/chloroprene (BR/CR) nanocomposites 3 phr MLG replaced 15 phr CB and/or 3 phr ATH. Material and mechanical properties as well as fire behavior of the nanocomposites are compared to BR/CR with 20 phr CB both with and without 50 phr ATH. MLG appears as a promising nanofiller to improve the functional properties: replacement of CB improved rheological, curing, and mechanical properties; substitution of ATH improved nanocomposite properties without affecting flame retardancy.
Aluminum tris (diethylphosphinate) (AlPi) is known to have an efficient flame-retardant effect when used in poly(butadiene terephthalates) (PBT). Additionally, better flame-retardant effects can be achieved through the partial substitution of AlPi by boehmite in multi-component systems, which have been shown to be an effective synergist due to cooling effects and residue formation. Although the potential of beneficial effects is generally well known, the influence of particle sizes and behavior in synergistic compositions are still unknown. Within this paper, it is shown that the synergistic effects in flammability measured by limiting oxygen index (LOI) can vary depending on the particle size distribution used in PBT. In conducting thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements, it was observed that smaller boehmite particles result in slightly increased char yields, most probably due to increased reactivity of the metal oxides formed, and they react slightly earlier than larger boehmite particles. This leads to an earlier release of water into the system enhancing the hydrolysis of PBT. Supported by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we propose that the later reactions of the larger boehmite particles decrease the portion of highly flammable tetrahydrofuran in the gas phase within early burning stages. Therefore, the LOI index increased by 4 vol.% when lager boehmite particles were used for the synergistic mixture.
Recycling of crosslinked fiber-reinforced polymers is difficult. Moreover, as they are often based on flammable resins, additional additives are needed. So-called “vitrimers” open the possibility of Recycling and reprocessing and repairing with dynamically crosslinked chemistries. To date, vitrimer-based composites still need flame retardant additives, such as organophosphates. An additive-free vitrimer composite has not been reported. Herein, we synthesized an intrinsic flame-retardant vitrimer, relying on vinylogous polyurethanes containing covalently installed phosphonates as flame-retardant units and prepared glassfiber-reinforced composites. We studied recycling and flame retardant properties and compared the data to phosphorus-free vitrimers and conventional epoxy resins (with and without additive flame retardant).
Our phosphonate-based vitrimer proved in first tests, a flame retardant effect comparable to commercial flame retardant resins. The bending strength and bending modulus for the phosphorus-vitrimer glass fiber composites were comparable to glass fiber composites with permanently cross-linked epoxies. In summary, we were able to prove that the covalent installation of phosphonates into vitrimers allows the preparation of recyclable and intrinsic flame retardant composites that do not need flame retardant additives. We believe this concept can be expanded to other polymer networks and additives to generate recyclable and sustainable high-performance materials.
Flexible polyurethane foams (FPUF) are easy to ignite and exhibit rapid flame spread. In this paper, the fire phenomena of two standard foam formulations containing tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (FR-2) and a halogen-freepoly (ethyl ethylene phosphate) (PNX), respectively, as flame retardants are compared. A multimethodological approach is proposed which combines standard fire tests as well as new investigatory approaches. The thermophysical properties of the foams were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), reaction to small flames was studied by means of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL 94 HBF test, and the burning behavior was investigated with the cone calorimeter. Further, temperature development in burning cone calorimeter samples was monitored using thermocouples, and rheological measurements were performed on pyrolyzed material, delivering insight
into the dripping behavior of the foams. This paper gives comprehensive insight into the fire phenomena of flame-retarded FPUFs that are driven by the two-step decomposition behavior of the foams. LOI and UL 94 HBF tests showed a reduced flammability and reduced tendency to drip for the flame-retarded foams. TG and cone calorimeter measurements revealed that the two-step decomposition behavior causes two stages during combustion, namely structural collapse and pool fire. The flame-retardant mode of action was identified to take place primarily during the foam collapse and be based mainly on flame inhibition. However, some condensed-phase action was been measured, leading to significantly increased melt viscosity and improved dripping behavior for foams containing PNX.
Das Brandverhalten stellt wie das elektrische Isolationsverhalten, die geringen elektrischen Verluste, die Verarbeitbarkeit und Formbarkeit eine der wesentlichen Schlüsseleigenschaften im Eigenschaftsprofil von Polymerwerkstoffen in der Elektrotechnik dar. Dabei bedarf es einer Ausrüstung der Polymere mit Flammschutzmittel. Die Entwicklung von immer effizienteren, synergistischen und multifunktionalen Multikomponentensystemen ist dabei eine herausragende Quelle für Innovation. Die Verbesserung der werkstoff- und anwendungsspezifischen Flammschutzlösungen bestimmen die aktuellen und zukünftigen Polymermaterialien in der Elektrotechnik mit. Der Vortrag stellt anhand von Beispielen einige der erfolgreichen Konzepte dar. Es wird versucht, über das wissenschaftlich systematische Verständnis Grundprinzipien und Lösungsstrategien zu verdeutlichen.
Das Brandverhalten stellt wie das ausgezeichnete elektrische Isolationsverhalten, die geringen elektrischen Verluste, die Verarbeitbarkeit und Formbarkeit eine der wesentlichen Schlüsseleigenschaften im Eigenschaftsprofil von Polymerwerkstoffen in der Elektronik und der Elektrotechnik dar. Dabei bedarf es einer Ausrüstung der Polymerwerkstoffe mit Flammschutzmittel. Die Entwicklung von immer effizienteren, synergistischen und multifunktionalen Multikomponentensystemen ist dabei eine herausragende Quelle für Innovation. Die Entwicklung und Verbesserung der werkstoff- und anwendungsspezifischen Flammschutzlösungen bestimmen die aktuellen und zukünftigen Polymermaterialien in der Elektronik und Elektrotechnik mit. Der Vortrag stellt anhand von Beispielen einige der erfolgreichen Konzepte dar. Es wird versucht, über das wissenschaftlich-systematische Verständnis Grundprinzipien und vielversprechende Lösungsstrategien zu verdeutlichen.
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) Rubbers with the flame retardants tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, polyaniline, and aluminum trihydroxide were prepared and analyzed in this study. The homogenous dispersion of the fillers in the rubber matrix was confirmed by scanning electron microscope. To investigate the interplay of the different flame retardants, the flame retardants were varied systematically. The comprehensive study sought combinations of flame retardants that allow high loadings of flame retardants without deterioration of the physical and mechanical properties of the EPDM rubber. The eight EPDM rubbers were investigated via thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (Py GC/MS) to investigate the potential synergistic effects. In the Py-GC/MS experiments, 27 pyrolysis products were identified. Furthermore, UL 94, limiting oxygen index, FMVSS 302, glow wire tests, and cone calorimeter tests were carried out. In the cone calorimeter test the EPDM rubbers R-1AP and R-1/2P achieved an increase in residue at flameout of 76% and a reduction in total heat evolved of about 35%. Furthermore, the compounds R-1AP and R-1/2P achieved a reduction in MARHE to about 150 kW m−1, a reduction of over 50% compared to the unprotected rubber R.
Polyurethanes (PU) represent one of the most versatile classes of plastics. They are processed and used as thermoplastic, elastomer, and thermoset. The requirements regarding flammability are correspondingly versatile. Depending on the material and the field of application, specific fire tests have to be fulfilled. This paper describes the different concepts used to fulfil these requirements by choosing the right raw materials and flame retardants.
Natural keratin fibres derived from Mexican tannery waste and coconut fibres from coconut processing waste were used as fillers in commercially available, biodegradable thermoplastic starch-polyester blend to obtain sustainable biocomposites. The morphology, rheological and mechanical properties as well as pyrolysis, flammability and forced flaming combustion behaviour of those biocomposites were investigated. In order to open up new application areas for these Kinds of biocomposites, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was added as a flame retardant. Extensive flammability and cone calorimeter studies revealed a good flame retardance effect with natural fibres alone and improved effectiveness with the addition of APP. In fact, it was shown that replacing 20 of 30 wt. % of APP with keratin fibres achieved the same effectiveness. In the case of coconut fibres, a synergistic effect led to an even lower heat release rate and total heat evolved due to reinforced char residue. This was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy of the char structure. All in all, these results constitute a good approach towards sustainable and biodegradable fibre reinforced biocomposites with improved flame retardant properties.
Wood products are often treated by different techniques to improve their longevity when used as building materials. Most of the time, the goal is to increase their resistance to weathering effects, deformations in material dimensions or biotic decomposition. These wood treatment techniques have a significant impact on pyrolysis and burning behavior. The general effects of three different common wood treatments on flame retardancy were investigated by comparing treated woods with their untreated counterparts and with other kinds of wood. While the acetylation of beech leads to a slightly increased fire hazard, the thermal treatment of wood and crosslinking of cellulose microfibrils dimethyloldihydroxy-ethyleneurea show a limited flame retarding effect. Switching to woods with a higher lignin content, and thus higher char yield, however, results in a more pronounced improvement in flame retardancy performance. This article delivers a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the general impact of different wood modifications on the fire behavior. Further, it is a valuable benchmark for assessing the flame retardancy effect of other wood modifications.
In this work, a series of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) derivative salts containing phosphorus and nitrogen were synthesized, and their effects on mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy of flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) were investigated. Studies have shown that the addition of DOPO derivatives will increase the tensile strength, compression set, and compression hardness of FPUF, but it will lead to a decrease in elongation at break. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the initial decomposition temperature of FPUF containing DOPO derivatives was reduecd, but the char reside was significantly improved. A series of combustion tests indicated that the addition of DOPO derivative salts can improve the flame retardancy of FPUF, of which 10-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10 phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide dicyandiamide salt (D-DICY) exhibited the best flame retardancy. When the load of D-DICY was 20 phr, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of foam reached 24.5%, and the peak heat release rate and total heat release were decreased by 55.7% and 52.9%, respectively. Furthermore, based on the analysis of the gas phase combustion products and the char residue of the condensed phase, the possible flame retardant mechanism was proposed.
Polyurethane (PU) bilden eine der vielseitigsten Klassen der Polymerwerkstoffe. Kein anderer Kunststoff wird sowohl als Thermoplast, als Elastomer wie auch als Duroplast verarbeitet und eingesetzt. Entsprechend vielfältig sind auch die Anforderungen an den Flammschutz. Je nach Material und Anwendung müssen spezifische Brandnormen erfüllt werden. Der vorliegende Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die verfügbaren Ansätze, um durch geeignete Auswahl der Rohstoffe und der Flammschutzmittel diese verschiedensten Anforderungen an das Brandverhalten zu erfüllen.
Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) exhibit short times to ignition as well as rapid flame spread and are therefore considered to be hazardous materials. This paper focuses on the fire phenomena of RPUFs, which were investigated through a multimethodological approach. Water-blown polyurethane (PUR) foams without flame retardants (FRs) as well as waterblown PUR foams containing triethyl phosphate as a gas phase-active FR were examined. The aim of this study is to clarify the influence of the FR on the fire phenomena during combustion of the foams. Additionally, materials’ densitieswere varied to range from 30 to 100 kg/m3. Thermophysical properties were studied bymeans of thermogravimetry; fire behavior and flammability were investigated via cone calorimeter and limiting Oxygen index, respectively. During the cone calorimeter test, the temperature development inside the burning specimens was monitored with thermocouples, and cross sections of quenched specimens were examined visually, giving insight into the morphological changes during combustion.
The present paper delivers a comprehensive study, illuminating phenomena occurring during foam combustion and the influence of a FR active in the gas phase. The superior fire performance of flameretarded PUR foams was found to be based on flame inhibition, and on increased char yield leading to a more effective protective layer. It was proven that in-depth absorption of radiation is a significant factor for estimation of time to ignition. Cross sections investigated with the electron scanning microscope exhibited a pyrolysis front with an intact foam structure underneath. The measurement of temperature development inside burning specimens implied a shift of burning behavior towards that of non-cellular materials with rising foam density.
Microplastic particles are currently detected in almost all environmental compartments. The results of detection vary widely, as a multitude of very different methods are used with very different requirements for analytical validity.
In this work four thermoanalytical methods are compared and their advantages and limitations are discussed. One of them is thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS), an analysis method for microplastic detection that has become established in recent years. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) and mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) were applied, two methods that are less common in this field but are still used in other research areas. Finally, microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) was applied, a method not yet used for microplastic detection.
The presented results are taken from a recently published interlaboratory comparison test by Becker et al. (2020). Here a reference material consisting of suspended matter and specified added polymer masses was examined, and only the results of the recoveries were presented. In the present paper, however, the results for the individual polymers are discussed in detail and individual perspectives for all instruments are shown.
It was found that TED-GC/MS is the most suitable method for samples with unknown matrix and unknown, variable kinds and contents of microplastic. TGA-FTIR is a robust method for samples with known matrix and with defined kinds of microplastic. TGA-MS may offer a solution for the detection of PVC particles in the future. MCC can be used as a very fast and simple screening method for the identification of a potential microplastic load of standard polymers in unknown samples.
Flame retarded polymeric materials are used in various applications in which a certain fire behavior is demanded. Protection goals are defined, such as limited flammability in terms of hindered sustained ignition or limited contribution to a fire, and these protection levels are tested with defined specimens or components in defined fire scenarios, that is to say, different fire tests. Passing a specific fire test by meeting whatever its demands is often the most important development goal, so the parameters of the different fire tests vary widely to emphasize different fire properties. Some fire tests are used to screen or provide a general assessment of flame retardant polymers during development, while other fire tests and tailored experiments are performed to address special phenomena or understand the flame retardancy modes of action. For all fire testing, the devil is in the details – demanding know-how and crucial efforts to manage the quality of investigations and advanced interpretation. This chapter aims to offer a structured overview of all these aspects.
Scientific publications addressing the durability of the flame retardance of cables during their long-term application are rare and our understanding lacks. Three commercial flame retardants, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlPi-Et), and intumescent flame retardant based on ammonium polyphosphate, applied in ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) model cables, are investigated. Different artificial aging scenarios were applied: accelerated weathering (UV-irradiation/temperature/rain phases), humidity exposure (elevated temperature/humidity), and salt spray exposure. The deterioration of cables’ surface and flame retardancy were monitored through imaging, color measurements, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and cone calorimeter investigations. Significant degradation of the materials’ surface occurred. The flame retardant EVA cables are most sensitive to humidity exposure; the cable with AlPi-Et is the most sensitive to the artificial aging scenarios. Nevertheless, substantial flame retardance persisted after being subjected for 2000 h, which indicates that the equivalent influence of natural exposure is limited for several years, but less so for long-term use.
Hyperbranched polyphosphoesters are promising multifunctional flame retardants for epoxy resins. These polymers were prepared via thiol-ene polyaddition reactions. While key chemical transformations and modes of actions were elucidated, the role of sulfur in the chemical composition remains an open question. In this study, the FR-performance of a series of phosphorus-based flame retardant additives with and without sulfur (thioethers or sulfones) in their structure are compared. The successful synthesis of thio-ether or sulfone-containing variants is described and verified by 1H and 31P NMR, also FTIR and MALDI-TOF. A decomposition process is proposed from pyrolytic evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR, Py-GC/MS), and flame retardancy effect on epoxy resins is investigated under pyrolytic conditions and via fire testing in the cone calorimeter. The presence of sulfur increased thermal stability of the flame retardants and introduced added condensed phase action. Likely, Sulfur radical generation plays a key role in the flame-retardant mode of action, and sulfones released incombustible SO2. The results highlight the multifunctionality of the hyperbranched polymer, which displays better fire performance than its low molar mass thio-ether analogue due to the presence of vinyl groups and higher stability than its monomer due to the presence of thio-ether groups.
Manipulating the melt dripping of thermoplastics makes a fire scenario more or less dangerous. Yet, a detailed understanding of this phenomenon has remained a question mark in studies of the flammability of plastics. In this work, the individual and collective impacts of additives on the dripping behaviour of polyamide 6 (PA6) were studied. A set of materials compounded with melamine cyanurate (MCA) and glass fibre (GF) was investigated. Under UL 94 vertical test conditions, the dripping during first and second ignition was quantified and investigated in detail. The number, size and temperature of the drops were addressed, and the materials and their drops evaluated with respect to such aspects as their averaged molecular weight, thermal decomposition and rheological properties. PA6 with V-2 classification improved to V-0 with the addition of MCA, and achieved HB in the presence of GF. PA6/GF/MCA achieved V-2. Non-flaming drops of PA6/MCA consisted of oligomeric fragments. Flaming drops of PA6/GF showed a more pronounced decomposition of PA6 and an increased GF content. The dripping behaviour of PA6/GF/MCA can be understood as a combination of the influence of both additives. The results showed nicely that dripping under fire is neither a straightforward material property nor a simple additive influence, but the complex response of the material influenced by the interaction and competition of different phenomena.
Nowadays there are intumescent coatings available for diverse applications. There is no established assessment of their protection performance besides the standard time-temperature curve, but natural fire scenarios often play an important role. A reliable straightforward performance-based assessment is presented. The effective thermal conductivity per thickness is calculated based on intermediate-scale fire tests. The optimum thermal insulation, the time to reach it, and the time until contingent failure of the coating are used for an assessment independent of the heating curve. The procedure was conducted on four different commercially intumescent coatings for steel construction, one solvent-based, one waterborne, one epoxy-based, and a bandage impregnated with a waterborne coating. The performance was studied under four different but similar shaped heating curves with different maximum temperatures (standard time-temperature curve, hydrocarbon curve and two self-designed curves with reduced temperature). The thermal protection performance is crucially affected by the residue morphology. Therefore, a comprehensive morphology analysis, including micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy, was conducted on small-scale residues (7.5 x 7.5 cm2). Two different types of inner structures and the residue surface after different heat exposures were discussed in terms of their influence on thermal protection performance.
Flame retardants (FR) are inevitable additives to many plastics. Halogenated organics are effective FRs but are controversially discussed due to the release of toxic gases during a fire or their persistence if landfilled. Phosphorus-containing compounds are effective alternatives to halogenated FRs and have potential lower toxicity and degradability. In addition, nitrogencontaining additives were reported to induce synergistic effects with phosphorus-based FRs. However, no systematic study of the gradual variation on a single phosphorus FR containing both P−O and P−N moieties and their comparison to the respective blends of phosphates and phosphoramides was reported. This study developed general design principles for P−O- and P−N-based FRs and will help to design effective FRs for various polymers. We synthesized a library of phosphorus FRs that only differ in their P-binding pattern from each other and studied their decomposition mechanism in epoxy resins. Systematic control over the decomposition pathways of phosphate (PO(OR)3), phosphoramidate (PO(OR)2(NHR)), phosphorodiamidate (PO(OR)(NHR)2), phosphoramide (PO(NHR)3), and their blends was identified, for example, by reducing cis-elimination and the formation of P−N-rich char with increasing nitrogen content in the P-binding sphere. Our FR epoxy resins can compete with commercial FRs in most cases, but we proved that the blending of esters and amides outperformed the single molecule amidates/diamidates due to distinctively different decomposition mechanisms acting synergistically when blended.
Der steigende Einsatz von Holz-Kunststoff-Verbundwerkstoffen (Wood Plastic Composite, WPC) erfordert das Wissen um seine spezifischen Eigenschaften, insbesondere dem Brand risiko.
Dabei können Flammschutzmittel die Entflammbarkeit, Wärmeabgabe und die Brandausbreitung des Materials verringern.
Deshalb sind der gezielte und effiziente Einsatz und die Kenntnis über die Wirkungsweise der Flammschutzmittel im WPC für den Brandschutz von enormer Bedeutung. Dazu gehört auch die Rauchentwicklung im Brandfall. Rauch beeinflusst aufgrund seiner Toxizität und seiner Sichttrübung die Fluchtmöglichkeit der betroffenen Personen. In der Rauchkammer nach ISO 5659-2 wird die Rauchentwicklung von flachen Werkstoffproben ermittelt. Die Rauchgastoxizität bzw. die Rauchgaszusammensetzung wird mithilfe der FTIR (Fourier Transformierte Infrarot)-Spektroskopie ermittelt. Frei werdende Partikel schädigen die Atemorgane und beeinflussen damit auch die Fluchtfähigkeit von Personen im Brandfall. Aussagen zur Partikelemission können mithilfe eines an die Rauchkammer gekoppelten Partikelanalysators getroffen werden. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden verschiedene flammgeschützte WPC-Systeme hinsichtlich ihres Rauchverhaltens in der Rauchkammer untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zu emittierten toxischen Gasen, Partikeln und zur Rauchentwicklung werden vorgestellt und in Abhängigkeit von den eingesetzten Flammschutzmitteln im WPC diskutiert.
To exploit application fields beyond packaging for biodegradable materials, flame retardancy and increased mechanical strength are usually required. This work focuses on the flammability of a thermoplastic starch/polyester blend reinforced with natural fibers derived from Mexican industry processes wastes, such as keratin fibers from the tannery industry, coconut fibers (coconut industry), and agave tequilana fibers and henequen fibers from tequila industry. Different fiber contents as well as combinations of varying contents of aluminum trihydroxide, expandable graphite, aluminum diethylphosphinate or ammonium polyphosphate are investigated. It is the goal to propose sustainable waste fibers as adjuvants improving the flame retardancy. This work provides the proof of principle for sustainable biodegradable flame retarded biocomposites.
In this study, multicomponent flame retardant systems, consisting of Ammonium polyphosphate (APP), aluminum trihydroxide (ATH), and polyaniline (PANI), were used in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. The multicomponent system was designed to improve flame retardancy and the mechanical properties of the rubber compounds, while simultaneously reducing the amount of filler. PANI was applied at low loadings (7 phr) and combined with the phosphorous APP (21 phr) and the mineral flame retardant ATH (50 phr). A comprehensive study of six EPDM rubbers was carried out by systematically varying the fillers to explain the impact of multicomponent flame retardant systems on mechanical properties. The six EPDM materials were investigated via the UL 94, limiting oxygen index (LOI), FMVSS 302, glow wire tests, and the cone calorimeter, showing that multicomponent flame retardant systems led to improved fire performance.
In cone calorimeter tests the EPDM/APP/ATH/PANI composite reduced the maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE) to 142 kW·m-2, a value 50% lower than that for the unfilled EPDM rubber. Furthermore, the amount of phosphorus in the residues was quantified and the mode of action of the phosphorous flame retardant APP was explained. The data from the cone calorimeter were used to determine the protective layer effect of the multicomponent flame retardant systems in the EPDM compounds.
The presentation gives an overview of actual research adtivities in the field of flame retardant polymers. Details are selected illuminating the scientific topic beyond the state of the art. Different concepts are illustrated with own results obtained in different Research projects over the last 15 years.
Hydroliquefaction is a possible pathway to produce liquid transportation fuels from solid feedstocks like coal or biomass. Though much effort has been put into the investigation of maximizing the oil yield using expensive catalysts and pasting oils in batch setups, little is known about how to commercialize the process. This work aims at the demonstration of lignin hydroliquefaction under conditions interesting for commercial operation. The results from hydroliquefaction experiments of two different lignin types using a cheap iron-based catalyst and anthracene oil as the pasting oil in a semibatch system are presented here. Oil yields of above 50% are reached without observing coke formation. Extensive analyses of the feedstocks and product oils were performed. The process supplies high-quality oil, while differences in the decomposition path of both lignin types are observed. An high heating value of 39 400 J/g and H/C and O/C ratios of up to 1.6 and 0.1, respectively, are detected for the produced bio-oils.
Flame-retarded biocomposites of thermoplastic starch and natural fibres are successfully processed according to state-of-the-art extrusion and injection moulding. Using agave fibres and henequen fibres recovered from local industrial waste is a convincing contribution to sustainability. A systematically varied set of biocomposites is investigated comprehensively, e.g. electron microscopy is used for characterizing the morphology, rheology for the melt viscosity, tensile and impact resistance for the mechanical properties, thermal analysis for the pyrolysis, UL 94 burning chamber and oxygen index for the flammability, and cone calorimeter for the fire behaviour. Achieving sufficient mechanical properties was not the goal in our pre-competitive study but may be tackled by adding compatibilizer in future. The combination of well-dispersed natural fibres, aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi) and a special silicone synergist (Si) is proposed as promising innovative route for V-classified biocomposites. The flame-retardancy modes of action in the gas phase (fuel dilution and flame inhibition) and in the condensed phase (charring, protective layer formation) are discussed in detail, as is the role of combining the ingredients. This work is a convincing proof of principle of how to prepare industrial-waste fibres biocomposites, to apply the synergistic combination of AlPi and Si for future flame-retarded technical polymer materials that are based on renewable resources and compostable.
Whereas the degradation of flame retardant polymers has been discussed since decades, only more recently, the lifetime of the flame retardancy itself becomes an important factor, e.g. for cables used as building products. In this work, several kinds of accelerated artificial ageing tests are performed simulating different environmental exposures and thus highlighting different degradation mechanisms: artificial accelerated weathering, climatic chamber, water immersion, salt spray chamber, and autoclave test. The durability is expected to be different for different flame-retardant materials. Thus, various sets of halogen-free fire-retarded polymers were investigated: ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with aluminum hydroxide (ATH), boehmite and synergists, ester-based and ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with melamine cyanurate (MC), aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi), and boehmite, and glass fiber reinforced polyamide 66 (PA66) with AlPi-based mixtures.
Intensive degradation of the surface was observed, e.g. yielding discoloration and yellowing, EVA showed cracking when weathered. Changes in chemical structure was investigated by ATR-FTIR. The flammability was investigated with the cone calorimeter, UL-94 classification, and oxygen index (LOI). The flame retardancy of most of the materials studied degraded only slightly for the investigated exposure times. EVA/ATH achieved an improved LOI due to flame retardants agglomeration at the surface. Sets of materials, based on EVA and TPU, were also investigated as cable jackets. While flame retarded EVA exhibited no dripping during burning, TPU flame-retarded with MC cables showed pronounced melt-dripping. Cone calorimeter tests were carried out using cable rafts as well as our self-made cable module test, simulating a vertical bundle of cables at the bench scale. The comparison of different fire tests, different exposure conditions, and different materials carved out the specific degradation phenomena with respect to each of these parameters.
Most of this work was supported by the IGF Project (18926 N) of the Fördergemeinschaft für das Süddeutsche Kunststoff-Zentrum e.V., supported by the AiF within the framework of the program “Förderung der Industriellen Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF)” of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy based on a decision of the Deutschen Bundestag.
We successfully synthesized multifunctional P-based hyperbranched polymeric flame retardants (hb-FRs) with varying oxygen-to-nitrogen (O : N) content and characterized them via 1H and 31P NMR and GPC. Their miscibility in epoxy resins (EP) and impact on glass-transition temperatures (Tg) were determined via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Using thermogravimetric and evolved gas Analysis (TGA, TG-FTIR), pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), hot stage FTIR, flammability tests UL-94 and LOI, fire testing via cone calorimetry, residue analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis, detailed decomposition mechanisms and modes of action are proposed. hb-polymeric FRs have improved miscibility and thermal stability, leading to high FR performance even at low loadings. Polymeric, complex FRs increase flame retardancy, mitigate negative effects of low molecular weight variants, and can compete with commercial aromatic FRs. The results illustrate the role played by the chemical structure in flame retardancy and highlight the potential of hb-FRs as multifunctional additives.
This paper is based mainly on the results of two different projects performed in the group of the author recently (2016-2019). The three external partners involved in these two projects are competent in the preparation of FPUF (ICL IP America), RPUF (Department of Industrial Engineering, Padova University), and TPU (Fraunhofer-Institut für Betriebsfestigkeit und Systemzuverlässigkeit LBF, Darmstadt) as well as for the specimen preparation. Systematically varied sets of materials were prepared as the key basic for scientific discussion, varying the kind and combination of flame retardant, PUR structure, density, and blowing agent.
A multimethodical approach based on thermogravimetry (TGA), TGA coupled with evolved gas analysis (TGA-FTIR) and pyrolysis GC-MS was used for investigating the pyrolysis. The flammability was addressed using oxygen index (OI) and testing in UL 94 burning chamber in vertical and horizontal set-up. The fire behaviour was addressed by using a cone calorimeter. Beyond these methods according to the state of the art, key experiments were performed. We addressed the dripping and the two-stage burning of TPU using a self-designed apparatus and specific data evaluation, the foam burning through quenching burning samples, using different special sample holders, and measuring temperature profiles within the burning foams. The investigation is made round by intensive analysis of the fire residues, such as comprehensive investigation of the morphology.
Result on the pyrolysis (TGA-FTIR, Pyrolysis-GC/MS), flammability (UL 94, LOI), and fire behaviour (cone calorimeter) of TPU and flame retardant TPUs are shown. We discuss in detail the characteristic of PUR decomposition: the low tendency to char, and the specific two step decomposition and how these characteristics control the regimes in fire behaviour. We demonstrate that the different burning regimes are controlled by different pyrolysis products and effective heat of combustions. The resulting formation of pool fires as well as the formation of dripping is discussed in detail. The latter quite important to understand the flame retardancy applied with respect to achieve the UL 94 classification V0 nondripping or V0 non-flaming dripping.
Rigid and flexible PUR foams and their flame retarded versions are investigated for different densities. Water and pentane-blown foams are compared as well as PUR and polyisocyanurate-polyurethane (PIR) foams. Horizontal testing in the cone calorimeter is used and the vertical foam specimen holder as well. Self-designed set-ups within the cone calorimeter enable a better inside in the pyrolysis front running through the foam samples as well as the development of the temperature gradient inside the foam during the fire test. The morphology change during burning was characterised by the means of quenching burning foams with liquid nitrogen and investigating the cross sections with scanning electron microscope. In sum, a rather comprehensive study was performed to work out the principle fire phenomena controlling the fire behaviour of PUR foams in a very systematic and significant way.
Promising flame retardancy approaches are discussed. The importance of either combining the drain of fuel and flame inhibition or charring into an effective protection layer/multicellular structure is underlined.
This contribution focusses the general conclusions and trends. It tries to increase the understanding of the specific and demanding challenge to develop flame retardant PUR materials.
A series of new flame retardants (FR) based on dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepine 6-oxide (BPPO) incorporating acrylates and benzoquinone were developed previously. In this study, we examine the fire behavior of the new flame retardants in polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams. The foam characteristics, thermal decomposition, and fire behavior are investigated. The fire properties of the foams containing BPPO-based derivatives were found to depend on the chemical structure of the substituents. We also compare our results to state-of-the-art non-halogenated FR such as triphenylphosphate and chemically similar phosphinate, i.e. 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10- phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO), based derivatives to discuss the role of the phosphorus oxidation state.
Although the main flame retardant modes of action are known, in practise the detailed scientific understanding usually falls short, when it comes to modern multicomponent systems, the important tiny optimizations, or quantifying in terms of specific fire properties. The description of the flame retardant modes of action remains usually vague and fragmentary. This talk tries to deliver thought-provoking impulses how the understanding of the fire behaviour and flame retardancy can be utilized to direct the development of future flame retardant polymer products. Some overseen details are picked up as well as rethinking of concepts memorised long ago is encouraged to discover something new. Furthermore, the talk tries to fill the gap between flame retardant modes of action and fire performance constituting a product. This talk promotes the evidence-based development of flame retardant polymers
The current trend for future flame retardants (FRs) goes to novel efficient halogen-free materials, due to the ban of several halogenated FRs. Among the most promising alternatives are phosphorus-based FRs, and of those, polymeric materials with complex shape have been recently reported. Herein, we present novel halogen-free aromatic and aliphatic hyperbranched polyphosphoesters (hbPPEs), which were synthesized by olefin Metathesis polymerization and investigated them as a FR in epoxy resins. We compare their efficiency (aliphatic vs. aromatic) and further assess the differences between the monomeric compounds and the hbPPEs. The decomposition and vaporizing behavior of a compound is an important factor in its flame-retardant behavior, but also the interaction with the pyrolyzing matrix has a significant influence on the performance. Therefore, the challenge in designing a FR is to optimize the chemical structure and its decomposition pathway to the matrix, with regards to time and temperature. This behavior becomes obvious in this study, and explains the superior gas phase activity of the aliphatic FRs.
We synthesized a library of phosphorus-based flame retardants (phosphates and phosphoramides of low and high molar mass) and investigated their behavior in two epoxy resins (one aliphatic and one aromatic).
The pyrolytic and burning behavior of the two resins (via TGA, TG-FTIR, Hot stage FTIR, Py-GC/MS, PCFC, DSC, LOI, UL-94, Cone calorimeter) are analyzed and compared to the results of flame retardant (FR)-containing composites. A decomposition pathway incorporating the identified modes of action and known chemical mechanisms is proposed. The overlap of decomposition temperature (Tdec) ranges of matrix and FR determines the efficacy of the system. Low molar mass FRs strongly impact material properties like Tg but are very reactive, and high molar mass variants are more thermally stable. Varying PeO and PeN content of the FR affects decomposition, but the chemical structure of the matrix also guides FR behavior. Thus, phosphates afford lower fire load and heat release in aliphatic epoxy resins, and phosphoramides can act as additives in an aromatic matrix or a reactive FRs in aliphatic ones. The chemical structure and the structure-property relationship of both FR and matrix are central to FR performance and must be viewed not as two separate but as one codependent system.
First phosphorus AB2 monomer for flame-retardant hyperbranched polyphosphoesters: AB2vs. A2 + B3
(2019)
Branched polymers are an important class of polymers with a high number of terminal groups, lower viscosity compared to their linear analogs and higher miscibility, which makes them especially interesting for flame retardant applications, where the flame retardants (FR) are blended with another polymer matrix. Hyperbranched polyphosphoesters (hbPPEs) are gaining more and more interest in the field of flame retardancy, as low molar mass FRs often have the disadvantage of blooming out or leaching, which is not desired in consumer products. Here, we present the first phosphorus-based AB2 monomer for the synthesis of hbPPEs and assess its flame-retardant performance in an epoxy resin compared to a hbPPE synthesized by an A2 + B3 approach. The hbPPE synthesized from an AB2 monomer exhibited a slightly higher performance compared to a similar hbPPE, which was prepared by A2 + B3 polyaddition, probably due to its higher phosphorus content.
The main flame retardant modes of action are known, nevertheless in practise the detailed scientific understanding usually falls short, when it comes to modern multicomponent systems, the important tiny optimizations, or quantifying in terms of specific fire properties. The description of the flame retardant modes of action remains usually vague and fragmentary. This talk tries to deliver thought-provoking impulses how the understanding of the fire behaviour and flame retardancy can be utilized to direct the development of future flame retardant polymer products. Some overseen details are picked up as well as rethinking of concepts memorised long ago is encouraged to discover something new. Furthermore, the talk tries to fill the gap between flame retardant modes of action and fire performance constituting a product. This talk promotes the evidence-based development of flame retardant polymers.
Natural keratin fibres derived from Mexican tannery waste and coconut fibres from coconut processing waste were used as fillers in commercially available, biodegradable thermoplastic starch-polyester blend to obtain sustainable biocomposites. The morphology, rheological and mechanical properties as well as pyrolysis, flammability and forced flaming combustion behaviour of those biocomposites were investigated. In order to open up new application areas for these kinds of biocomposites, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was added as a flame retardant. Extensive flammability and cone calorimeter studies revealed a good flame retardance effect with natural fibres alone and improved effectiveness with the addition of APP. In fact, it was shown that replacing 20 of 30 wt. % of APP with keratin fibres achieved the same effectiveness. In the case of coconut fibres, a synergistic effect led to an even lower heat release rate
and total heat evolved due to reinforced char residue. This was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy of the char structure. All in all, these results constitute a good approach towards sustainable and biodegradable fibre reinforced biocomposites with improved flame retardant properties.
The multicomponent flame retardant system of melamine polyphosphate (MPP), melamine cyanurate (MC) and aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) is proposed and investigated for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The synergy between those additives and the resulting superior fire performance are discussed. Systematically varied sets of flame retarded TPU with various MPP/MC/AlPi ratios were investigated in terms of fire behavior, pyrolysis products and mechanical properties. The total amount of the additives was always 30 wt.-%. Further, the influence of various AlPi concentrations was investigated. The optimal MPP:MC ratio was determined while keeping the amount of AlPi constant. The combination of 8 wt.-% MPP, 12 wt.-% MC and 10 wt.-% is proposed as the most promising halogen free flame retardant formulation for TPU, because it yielded a reduction in PHRR from 2660 kW/m2 (TPU) to 452 kW/m2 and enabled V-0 classification in the UL 94 test. Combinations of MPP and MC as well a high concentration of AlPi are beneficial for the mechanical properties e.g. tensile strength and elongation at break of the formulations and could be a strong competitor to commercial flame retarded TPUs.
Elastomers are usually reinforced by large amount of fillers like carbon black (CB) or silica in order to improve various mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus, hardness, tear resistance, abrasion resistance, and gas barrier properties. In recent years, such improvements were also obtained by using nanoparticles at significantly lower filler loadings. Graphene is a twodimensional (2D) sheet of a thickness in the atomic scale, composed of a honeycomb structure of sp2 carbon atoms. Besides significant mechanical reinforcement, graphene harbors the potential to be used as a multifunctional filler, as it can also increase the conductivity and weathering stability of elastomer matrices. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and oxidative agents can lead to the degradation of elastomers due to a multistep photooxidative process, including the formation of radicals. Carbon-based fillers have an influence on these reactions, as they can absorb UV radiation and act as radical scavengers.
This chapter summarizes the results of our larger project on multilayer graphene (MLG)/elastomer nanocomposites, previously published, which present a comprehensive case study of MLG as a multifunctional nanofiller in elastomer/graphene nanocomposites. Different elastomeric matrices are compared in order to demonstrate the outstanding impact of MLG as a general benefit. The dependency of this effect on concentration is discussed in detail. Taking into account the key role of dispersion, different mixing procedures are compared, evaluating a facile implementation of graphene nanocomposites into conventional rubber processing. Finally, the most probable commercial uses of MLG nanofillers in combination with conventional CB are studied. The nanocomposites were prepared in the kg scale in order to obtain enough specimens to investigate various properties of the uncured and vulcanized rubbers at the highest quality level, including rheology, curing, morphology, several mechanical properties, abrasion, conductivity, gas permeation, burning behavior, and weathering stability. The structure property relationships are asserted and questioned, for example, by investigating the radical scavenging ability or aspect ratio of the MLG. This chapter illustrates the state of the art of graphene/rubber nanocomposites targeted for commercial mass applications.
Assessing the structural integrity of carbon-fibre sandwich panels in fire: Bench-scale approach
(2019)
The fire resistance of lightweight sandwich panels (SW) with carbon fibre/epoxy skins and a poly(methacryl imide) (PMI) foam core is investigated in compression under direct application of a severe flame (heat flux=200 kW m−2). A bench-scale test procedure was used, with the sample held vertically. The epoxy decomposition temperature was quickly exceeded, with rapid flash-over and progressive core softening and decomposition.
There is a change in failure mode depending on whether the load is greater or less than 50% of the unexposed failure load, or in other words if one or two skins carry the load. At high loads, failure involved both skins with a single clear linear separation across each face. There is an inflection in the failure time relationship in the ∼50% load region, corresponding to the time taken for heat to be transmitted to the rear face, along with a change in the rear skin failure mode from separation to the formation of a plastic hinge. The integrity of the carbon front face, even with the resin burnt out, and the low thermal diffusivity of the core, both play key roles in prolonging rear face integrity, something to be borne in mind for future panel design. Intumescent coatings prolong the period before failure occurs. The ratio of times to failure with and without protection is proposed as a measure of their effectiveness. Apart from insulation properties, their adhesion and stability under severe fire impact play a key role.
Developing halogen‐free flame retardants with reasonably high efficiency, which thus function at limited loadings in polypropylene‐based wood/plastic composites (WPC), is still a challenge. Cost‐effective flame‐retarded WPC have been identified as a way to open the door to an interesting, broader spectrum of application in the building and transportation sectors. This work imparts a systematic comprehensive understanding and assessment of different basic routes to halogen‐free flame‐retarded WPC, taking into account economic and environmental considerations. Cheap, halogen‐free single‐component flame retardants and their multicomponent systems are investigated at reasonable filling grades of 20 wt%. The basic routes of promising synergistic multicomponent systems are discussed, and their potential and Limits assessed. Optimizing the consistency of fire residue; closing the surface of inorganic‐organic residual layers; the thermal stabilization and design of the residue, eg, synergistic combination of ammonium polyphosphate and expandable graphite; and the combination of different flame‐retardant mechanisms, eg, intumescence and flame inhibition, are proposed as promising routes to boost the flame‐retardant efficiency.
The impact of polyaniline in phosphorus flame retardant ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber (EPDM)
(2019)
Usually elastomers are loaded with high amounts of flame retardants to fulfill fire safety requirements. In this study the potential char precursor polyaniline (PANI) and the established fire retardant pentaerythritol (PER) were implemented in ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM). PANI and PER were used in low loadings (7 phr) and combined with two phosphorous flame retardants, Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and a piperazine-pyrophosphate/phosphoric acid compound (FP), to boost their performance. A comprehensive study is presented, explaining the impact of PANI on curing and mechanical properties, including compensation for the plasticizer-like effect of APP in EPDM, and improved flame retardancy. In the cone calorimeter test, the combination of EPDM/FP/PANI reduced the effective heat of combustion by 20%. All nine EPDM rubber compounds were investigated with the LOI and UL 94 tests, cone calorimeter, FMVSS 302 and glow wire testing to quantify fire performance. The PANI containing EPDM rubbers, EPDM/APP/PANI and EPDM/FP/PANI outperformed the corresponding PER containing, EPDM/APP/PER and EPDM/FP/PER rubbers in various tests. Moreover, the study investigated the impact of PANI and PER on the mode of action of the phosphorus species and showed that the addition of PANI increased the amount of phosphorus in the condensed phase. To receive a broader understanding of the flame retardant mode of action of PANI in combination with APP and FP, calculations were carried out to estimate the impact of PANI on the protective layer effect.
Polyesters with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxy-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide-containing comonomers are synthesized aiming to improve the flame retardancy of aliphatic polyesters such as poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene sebacate). The influence of the chemical structure on the thermal decomposition and pyrolysis is examined using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TGA-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and microscale combustion flow calorimetry. Thermal decomposition pathways are derived and used to select suitable candidates as flame retardants for PBS. The fire behavior of the selected polymers is evaluated by forced-flaming combustion in a cone calorimeter. The materials show two modes of action for flame retardancy: strong flame inhibition due to the release of a variety of molecules combined with charring in the solid state.
After introducing into the activities and competence of BAM in the field of fire science, several aspects of successful and tailored flame retardancy of polyolefins are discussed. The talk gives an overview of the works relevant for developing flame retardant polyolefins performed in the working group flame retardancy of polymers. The hypothesis of conservation of effective heat of combustion is proposed. The role of charring, inert fillers, protection layer, and intumescence is assessed for flame retarded polyolefins. Distinct routes of optimization sketched. Examples of controlling the dripping and melt flow to obtain the desired fire behaviour are discussed. Finally the cable modul for the cone calorimeter is presented.
Elastomers are usually mechanically reinforced with high loadings of carbon black (CB) to achieve the properties demanded; high amounts of mineral flame retardants are used to fulfill fire safety requirements. In this study, multilayer graphene (MLG), a nanoparticle made of only 10 graphene sheets, is applied in low loadings, 3 parts per hundred rubber (phr) to reduce the total amount of filler or boost performance in hydrogenated acrylonitrilebutadiene rubber (HNBR). In the HNBR/MLG nanocomposites, 3 phr MLG replaced 15 phr CB, 3 phr aluminum trihydroxide (ATH), or 15 phr CB + 3 phr ATH. The nanocomposites were prepared via master batch by ultrasonically assisted solution mixing and subsequent conventional two-roll milling. A comprehensive study is presented, illustrating the impact of MLG on curing and mechanical properties; e.g. replacing 2.5 phr ATH with 3 phr MLG increased the Young's modulus by over 60% and hardness by 10%, while improving flame retardancy, and reducing the total heat evolved by 10%. MLG is a multifunctional filler, as demonstrated by various enhancements in terms of the mechanical and flame retardancy properties of the rubber composites.
The rapid mass calorimeter (RMC) was used as a screening tool based on accelerated fire testing to assess flame-retarded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The reliability of RMC results was proven with the cone calorimeter as reference fire test. The influence of melamine cyanurate (MC) concentration on the fire performance of TPU was investigated, along with some flame-retardant combinations such as MC with aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi), aluminium trihydrate (ATH), and melamine polyphosphate (MPP). The two-stage burning behaviour of TPU was investigated in detail; the first stage corresponds mainly to the hard segments' decomposition and has a much lower effective heat of combustion (EHC) than the second stage, in which mainly the soft segments decompose and an intensive liquid pool fire is observed in the cone calorimeter set-up. In addition to fire testing with the cone calorimeter, RMC, and UL 94 flammability tests, the decomposition of the materials was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared spectrometry (TGeFTIR). TPU/MC/AlPi shows the most promising results, achieving V-0 classification in UL 94 and reducing the extreme peak heat release rate (PHRR) of the liquid pool fire from 3154 kW/m2 to 635 kW/m2. Using MC/AlPi/MPP enhances the latter PHRR reduction further. The decomposition products identified in the gas phase via TGeFTIR reveal specific MCeAlPi eMPP interactions, as they differ from products seen in systems with MC/AlPi or MC/MPP. Correlations between RMC and cone calorimeter results were examined and presented in the final part of the paper. Several characteristics correlate strongly, pointing out that RMC is a reliable high-throughput fire testing method to screen multicomponent flame-retardant solutions in TPU.
The ubiquity of polymeric materials in daily life Comes with an increased fire risk, and sustained research into efficient flame retardants is key to ensuring the safety of the populace and material goods from accidental fires. Phosphorus, a versatile and effective element for use in flame retardants, has the potential to supersede the halogenated variants that are still widely used today: current formulations employ a variety of modes of action and methods of implementation, as additives or as reactants, to solve the task of developing flameretarding polymeric materials. Phosphorus-based flame retardants can act in both the gas and condensed phase during a fire. This Review investigates how current phosphorus chemistry helps in reducing the flammability of polymers, and addresses the future of sustainable, efficient, and safe phosphorus-based flame-retardants from renewable sources.
High-throughput fire tests and weathering-induced degradation behaviour of intumescent coatings
(2018)
In this work, the weathering-induced degradation of intumescent coatings was investigated by a systematic and comprehensive approach. A mechanism is revealed that is proposed to be responsible for the loss of function of intumescent coatings induced by weathering.
First, the thermal decomposition of artificially weathered intumescent coatings was examined. To get a better understanding of the weathering and ageing phenomena, the degradation behaviour of the single ingredients during the weathering process was investigated, as well as their chemical and physical interactions. For the systematic approach, the materials that are essential for intumescence (ammonium polyphosphate, pentaerythritol, titanium dioxide, melamine and the binder) are treated with moisture, elevated temperature and UV radiation.
Thermogravimetry (TG) and IR spectroscopy were used to compare the initial samples with their different grades of weathering. We demonstrate that ammonium polyphosphate, melamine and the binder are mainly responsible for the ageing process. Further, it was demonstrated that TG and IR spectroscopy are suitable measuring methods to detect the effects of weathering on intumescent coatings.
Finally, a small-scale fire test procedure is introduced. Based on the reduction of the sample size, up to 50 samples can be tested in a single fire test. The results of this fire test have the same quality as the results from standard intermediate fire tests corresponding to DIN 4102-8.