A review on flammability of epoxy polymer,cellulosic and non‐cellulosic fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Natural fiber is well‐known reinforcement filler in polymer‐matrix composites. Composite components like organic polymers and natural fibers are natural fire conductors as the natural fiber consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and hence are as highly flammable as wood. Natural fiber reinforced composite materials are progressively being used in a variety of applications where their fire response is a hazardous consideration, for example, in the automotive (transportation) and building‐construction industries. As a result, an awareness of their performance or response during a fire and the use of conventional fire retardants are of great importance, as they are subject to thermal decomposition when exposed to intensive high heat or fire sources. In this review paper, fire flammability is the main concern for cellulosic and non‐cellulosic fiber‐reinforced polymer composites, especially epoxy composites. This paper reviews the literature on the recent developments in flammability studies concerning polymers, epoxy polymers, cellulosic‐fibers, and non‐cellulosic fiber‐reinforced epoxy bio‐composites. The prime objective of this review is to expand the reach of “fire retardants for polymer materials and composites” to the science community, including physicists, chemists, and engineers in order to broaden the range of their applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Future of Flame Retardant Polymers – Unmet Needs and Likely New Approaches

ABSTRACT

Thermoplastic and thermoset polymers in use today have fire risk and fire hazard associated with them that is not always well known to the public or material scientists. Recent events in the United Kingdom and California show that, if not considered carefully, use of flammable materials can result in catastrophic losses of both life and property. Further, current understanding has shown that simply adding flame retardant chemicals to polymers to address fire hazard and risk is not sufficient, as there is an increased demand from consumers, government, and industry for improved durability, recyclability, fire safety, and reduced environmental impact. These new requirements are beginning to change flame retardant chemistry for polymers, which has been mostly unchanged for the past 50 years. Existing flame retardant chemical technology will be briefly reviewed to show what is available today, followed by a discussion of potential future flame retardant approaches. Future possibilities such as polymeric, reactive, inorganic, and transition metal chemistries will be surveyed and discussed, with emphasis on what is not fully understood or validated for commercial use or future research and development investment. Current unmet fire safety needs of polymers, based upon current information and technological trends, will also be discussed.     

Fire retardant action of mineral fillers

Endothermically decomposing mineral fillers, such as aluminium or magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, or mixed magnesium/calcium carbonates and hydroxides, such as naturally occurring mixtures of huntite and hydromagnesite are in heavy demand as sustainable, environmentally benign fire retardants. They are more difficult to deploy than the halogenated flame retardants they are replacing, as their modes of action are more complex, and are not equally effective in different polymers. In addition to their presence (at levels up to 70%), reducing the flammable content of the material, they have three quantifiable fire retardant effects: heat absorption through endothermic decomposition; increased heat capacity of the polymer residue; increased heat capacity of the gas phase through the presence of water or carbon dioxide. These three contributions have been quantified for eight of the most common fire retardant mineral fillers, and the effects on standard fire tests such as the LOI, UL 94 and cone calorimeter discussed. By quantifying these estimable contributions, more subtle effects, which they might otherwise mask, may be identified.     

卡拉胶包覆APP微球阻燃水性环氧树脂

以氯化钡提纯k-卡拉胶, 经过氧化氢降解, 通过反相乳液聚合的方式制备了一系列卡拉胶包覆聚磷酸铵(APP)阻燃微球(k-CM/APP); 将其加入到水性环氧树脂(EP)中, 制备了3种钢结构防火涂层EP2, EP3和EP4. 利用红外光谱(IR)、 扫描电子显微镜(SEM)及元素分析(EDS)对k-CM/APP的结构及形貌进行了表征. 利用极限氧指数(LOI)、 垂直燃烧(UL-94)、 背温测试法、 热重分析(TG)、 锥形量热(CONE)、 附着力测试、 IR和SEM等方法分析了涂层的阻燃、 隔热及力学性能. 结果表明, k-CM/APP(3/1)球形结构完整, 800 ℃时的残炭量高达59.5%. 与其它阻燃涂层体系相比, 添加了k-CM/APP(3/1)的EP3防火涂层的极限氧指数达到28.5%, UL-94达到了V-0级, 60 min防火涂层耐火温度为253 ℃. 相比于纯EP涂层, EP3涂层的热释放速率峰值降低了58.26%, 总热释放量降低了20.84%, 附着力达到8.74 MPa.     

A comparison of direct methods to determine n-th order kinetic parameters of solid thermal decomposition for use in fire models

Pyrolysis models for burning solids in fire simulations are sensitive to the values of the activation energy, frequency factor, and reaction order that characterize the thermal decomposition of the solid to gaseous fuel, so direct measurement of these kinetic parameters is recommended, and simple methods are preferred. Three direct methods were evaluated with regard to the ability of their kinetic parameters to reproduce the thermal decomposition of five polymers measured by differential thermogravimetric analysis using the reaction order model. It was found that the two multiple heating rate methods produced identical, physically based kinetic parameters, while the peak property method produced non-physical kinetic parameters. However, all of these kinetic parameters in a single-step reaction order model gave reasonably good conversion histories for non-charring and moderately charring polymers. For a highly charring polymer, the conversion histories were poorly described without a multiple step reaction. The temperature at the maximum rate of conversion was found to be essentially independent of the reaction order, which decouples the frequency factor from the reaction order in the direct kinetic methods. Any of the direct methods are sufficiently accurate to obtain kinetic parameters for pyrolysis models because of the inherent spatial and temporal averaging of reaction rates at the burning surface of a thick solid and the uncertainty in the heat transfer mechanisms and thermo-physical parameters used in the models.     

Cone calorimeter analysis of flame retardant poly (methyl methacrylate)-silica nanocomposites

Nanocomposite is a promising method to reduce fire hazards of polymers. Specifically due to increased interfacial area between polymer and nanofillers, polymer nanocomposites have an advantage in reducing fire hazards efficiently even when the flame retardant additives are at a concentration of 5 mass% or less. In theory, crosslinking between the polymer chains can create a carbon-dense structure to enhance char formation, which can further promote the flame retardancy. However, little research has been done to explore the flammability of crosslinking polymer nanocomposites with a low concentration of nanosilica particles. In this study, crosslinked and non-crosslinked poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites of a low concentration of nanosilica particles have been prepared via an in situ method. Their fire properties were tested by using the cone calorimeter at the heat flux of 50 kW m^?2. Although silica-containing flame retardants tend to negatively affect the ignitability and soot production especially at a high concentration, through the condensed phase mechanism, the samples of high loading rate of nanosilica particles show better fire retardancy performance in the aspect of flammability, including decreased heat release rate, mass loss rate, and total heat release. Additionally, crosslinking indeed attributes to the less intensive combustion of crosslinked PMMA samples, especially at a low concentration of nanosilica. The combination of nanosilica particles with the modification of the internal structure of the polymer nanocomposites might be a good strategy to improve fire retardancy.     

基于锥形量热仪试验的聚合物材料火灾危险评价研究

简述了锥形量热仪的试验原理,以聚合物材料锥形量热仪试验数据为基础,导出了火势增长指数（FGI）、放热指数（THRI6min）、发烟指数（TSPI6min）和毒性气体生成速率指数（ToxGI）4个评价聚合物材料火灾危险的参数,并利用这四个参数对ABS、PS、PVC、PA 4类16种商用塑料样品的火灾危险性逐项进行了分析评价.在此基础上,采用层次分析法的原理对样品的火灾危险进行了综合评价,结果表明,ABS、PS、PVC、PA四类样品的火灾综合危险依次减小.     

Fire‐Safe Polyesters Enabled by End‐Group Capturing Chemistry

Upon heating, polyesters decompose to small molecules and release flammable volatiles and toxic gases, primarily through chain scission of their ester linkages, and therefore exhibit poor fire‐safety properties, thus restricting their applications. Reported herein is an end‐group‐capturing effect of (bis)oxazoline groups, generated from the thermal rearrangement of the N‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)phthalimide (HPI) moiety which was incorporated into the polyester chain by copolymerization. These copolyesters, as a result, exhibit high efficiency in retarding decomposition by capturing the decomposed products, particularly for the carbonyl‐terminated fragments, thus increasing the fire‐safety properties, such as self‐extinguishing, anti‐dripping, and inhibiting heat release and smoke production. The successful application of this method in both semi‐aromatic and aliphatic polyesters provide promising perspectives to designing versatile fire‐safe polymers.     

Polymer Nanocomposites: How to Reach Low Flammability?

The paper investigates critically the feasibility to make fire proof polymer using nanoparticles. It includes organoclay, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and carbon nanotube (CNT). It is shown that they can be used to make material exhibiting low heat release rate (HRR) when they undergo heat. We have developed novel approaches to characterize quantitatively the nanodispersion by solid state NMR and by TEM associated with image analysis and we have demonstrated that the dispersion at the nanoscale is essential to achieve the best performance. On the other hand, low flammability of nanocomposites is only achieved in terms of HRR but they fail in terms of UL-94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI). To overcome this problem, we have combined nanoparticles with traditional flame retardants (intumescents) or with plasma treatment. The nanofillers act as synergists and offer an exceptional way for making fire safe polymers.     

New fire retardant halogenfree polymers

Todays fire retardant plastics for high strength FRP (fibre-reinforced polymers) or electronic devices (printed circuit boards, PCB) are based on brominated epoxy resins (EP resins). The smoke gases of this resins are highly toxic and corrosive. A new class of fire retardant duroplastics, based on dihydrobenzoxazines, doesn't contain halogen, sulfur or phosphor. Processibility is equal to that of thermosetting epoxy resins. Mechanical and electrical properties are equal to brominated epoxy resin, heat resistance is considerably enhanced (glass temperature 180 - 280 °C), while density, toxicity and corrosivity of smoke are very low.     

Fire behaviour of polyamide 6/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of polyamide 6 with 5 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes are investigated to clarify their potential as regards the fire retardancy of polymers. The nanocomposites are investigated using SEM, electrical resistivity, and oscillatory shear rheology. The pyrolysis is characterized using thermal analysis. The fire behaviour is investigated with a cone calorimeter using different external heat fluxes, by means of the limiting oxygen index and the UL 94 classification. The fire residue is characterized using SEM. The comprehensive fire behaviour characterization not only allows the materials’ potential for implementation in different fire scenarios and fire tests to be assessed, but also provides detailed insight into the active mechanisms. The increased melt viscosity of the nanocomposites and the fibre-network character of the nanofiller are the dominant mechanisms influencing fire performance. The changes are found to be adjuvant with respect to forced flaming conditions in the cone calorimeter, but also deleterious in terms of flammability.     

Investigation of the thermal decomposition and flammability of PEEK and its carbon and glass-fibre composites

Conventional thermally durable materials such as metals are being replaced with heat resistant engineering polymers and their composites in applications where burn-through resistance and structural integrity after exposure to fire are required. Poly aryl ether ether ketone (PEEK) is one such engineering polymer. Little work has been published with regards to the flammability of PEEK and its filled composites. The current study aims to assess the flammability and fire behaviour of PEEK and its composites using thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry, limiting oxygen index, a vertical flame resistance test, and fire (cone) calorimetry.     

First thermally responsive supramolecular polymer based on glycosylated amino acid

In materials science, a dynamic property sensitive to an environmental change (heat, light, electric current, pH, and other chemical or physical changes) is indispensable for intelligent materials. Such organic materials, however, are very limited even in conventional polymers. This paper clearly demonstrates that, regardless of the low molecular weight, a glycosylated amino acid derivative newly screened by a combinatorial method forms a macroscopic supramolecular hydrogel that reversibly swells or shrinks in response to the external temperature. Using the unique thermal response of the present hydrogel, we carried out the controlled release of DNA and the perfect removal of bisphenol A from the polluted water. Recently, advanced supramolecular polymers, in which monomers are noncovalently connected, are expected to be highly advantageous over traditional polymers because of their tunable and recyclable characteristics. The present result newly confers a dynamic feature on the supramolecular polymers, which is desirable for the sophisticated application in many fields.     

Modified boron nitride as an efficient synergist to flame retardant natural rubber: preparation and properties

A new flame retardant system with organic modified boron nitride (m‐BN) and intumescent flame retardant (IFR) was used in this paper, and the synergistic flame retardancy of m‐BN and IFR on natural rubber (NR) was studied. NR/IFR/m‐BN composites were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis, UL‐94, limiting oxygen index (LOI), tensile testing, cone calorimeter testing, and thermal conductivity testing. When 4 wt% m‐BN was added, the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of the composites were improved. The LOI value of NR/IFR/4 phr m‐BN reached 26.8%, and suppressed fire spread in a UL‐94 test. Compared with pure NR, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) was reduced by 52.2%, the total heat release (THR) was reduced by 27.6%, and CO yields were reduced by 51.4%. As a key aspect of fire safety, the ignition time is effectively delayed to 23 seconds due to the increased thermal conductivity of NR/IFR/m‐BN. Since the synergistic effect of m‐BN effectively improves the flame retardancy of NR, it provides a feasible method for improving the fire safety of polymers.     

Epoxy Polymers Modified with Glycidyl Esters of Phosphorus Acids

The softening point, heat and fire resistance, oxygen index, flammability, and smokiness of epoxy polymers modified with glycidyl esters of phosphorus acids were evaluated, and compression and bending tests of these materials were performed.     

Thermal degradation and fire performance of intumescent silicone‐based coatings

This paper deals with the thermal degradation and fire performance of silicone‐based coatings for protecting steel. In this study, the fire performance of silicone coatings as virgin or formulated materials is evaluated using two homemade fire testing methodologies: one similar to the “torch test” fire testing method and the other using a heat radiator test. It was shown that the performance of the silicone‐based coating used as thermal barrier can be improved incorporating a modifier (a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane and silica coated by a silane). In this case, silicone‐based coating swells and exhibits same fire performance as commercial intumescent coating at the torch test. It is shown that the incorporation of modifier in the silicone makes it to swell upon heating resulting in the formation of expanded material exhibiting low heat conductivity. Thermal degradation of the coating is also investigated: it occurs in three main steps leading to the formation of a tridimensional network characterized by the formation of Q⁴ structure at high temperature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Self-oscillation mechanism of necking on extension of polymers

A new phenomenon in necking of some polymers, including poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETP) was detected. It was found that extension of PETP films under certain conditions results in periodic stress oscillations and a periodic change in appearance of the sample. The conditions at which self-oscillations appear have been determined, and the principal regularities of this regime of deformation are described. The following factors are critical for the appearance of self-oscillation: speed of straining and compliance of the sample. The self-oscillation of stress and formation of the periodic transverse bands is attributed to heat dissipation during necking corresponding to local temperature jumps and periodic strong variation of elasticity modulus due to poor heat conductivity of the polymer. Changing the external conditions of heat transfer influences the possibility and development of the effect. The phenomenon is common for various crystallizing polymers, being dependent on physical properties of the polymer and conditions of deformation.     

用SbCl_3使聚丙烯腈纤维稳定化的研究

<正> 众所皆知,梯型高分子是相当耐热的,其中一大部分是耐燃的梯型高分子。制造梯型高分子的方法很多,它可以通过小分子的有机化合物,经缩合或用大分子中的功能基反应得到梯型高分子。聚丙烯腈(PAN)中有大量的腈基,通过聚合而得到含聚氢化吡啶并经得起950℃的耐热梯型高分子。     

Theoretical models for diffusion in glassy polymers. II

The author refines and generalizes a model for diffusion in glassy polymers which he previously introduced. The model unifies many diverse observations by explicity formulating the common property of a glassy polymer in all its various modes, namely the finite relaxation time due to its slow response to changing conditions. An integral approximation method is used to study the motion of the penetrant front and the glass-gel interface and a useful polynomial approximation method is introduced for use in special simple situations.