Flame-Retardant Ionic Conductive Elastomers with Multiple Hydrogen Bonds: Synthesis, Characterization, and Strain...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Flame Retardancy

Background:

• Flammability poses a significant risk in polymer-based strain sensing.
• Existing flame retardants lack elasticity, potentially damaging flexible devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop elastic, flame-retardant ionic conductive elastomers (ICEs).
• To investigate the flame-retardant mechanism and mechanical properties of these novel materials.
• To demonstrate their application in flexible strain sensors.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of ICEs (PCAIPx) via UV-initiated radical copolymerization of a polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES).
• Incorporation of phosphorus from phytic acid (PA) and nitrogen from choline chloride (ChCl).
• Characterization using limiting oxygen index (LOI), SEM, and mechanical testing.

Main Results:

• Achieved significantly increased LOI values (up to 38.3%) due to dense char layer formation.
• Demonstrated superior elasticity (elongation at break up to 2109%), durability, tear resistance, and adhesion.
• Strain sensors exhibited excellent cyclic stability and repeatable resistance changes during motion.

Conclusions:

• Developed a simple strategy for flame-retardant ICEs with excellent mechanical and conductive properties.
• The material effectively reduces fire hazards and shows potential for various fire-risk applications.
• The synthesized ICEs are suitable for advanced flexible electronics and safety equipment.