Optimizing Flame Retardancy and Durability of Melamine-Formaldehyde/Solid-Urban-Waste Composite Panels

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Engineering
• Fire Safety Engineering

Background:

• Previous research developed a method for recycling the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) into composite panels.
• This study builds upon that work by investigating the impact of fire retardants on these novel composite materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of mono-ammonium phosphate (PFR) and aluminium trihydrate (ATH) as fire retardants on the fire performance, durability, and mechanical properties of OFMSW-based composite panels.
• To determine the optimal fire retardant formulation for balancing fire resistance, durability, and mechanical integrity.

Main Methods:

• Composite panels were fabricated using OFMSW and melamine-formaldehyde resin, with varying mass fractions (1% and 10%) of PFR or ATH.
• Fire performance was assessed using cone calorimetry.
• Mechanical properties were evaluated through flexural tests.
• Durability was tested using artificial accelerated weathering via boiling tests.

Main Results:

• The addition of fire retardants significantly reduced the total heat released, with 10% PFR yielding the lowest value (1.4 MJ/m²).
• Fire retardants negatively impacted mechanical properties, particularly at a 10% mass fraction.
• Accelerated weathering further degraded the mechanical performance of modified panels.
• Panels with 1% PFR demonstrated the best compromise between fire resistance, durability, and mechanical performance.

Conclusions:

• Fire retardants enhance the fire safety of OFMSW-based composite panels.
• A 1% mass fraction of mono-ammonium phosphate (PFR) provides an optimal balance of fire resistance, durability, and mechanical properties for these sustainable composite materials.
• Further optimization may be needed to mitigate the reduction in mechanical properties observed with higher fire retardant loadings.