Bio-Based Flame-Retardant Systems for Polymers Obtained via Michael 1,4-Addition

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Fire Safety Engineering

Background:

• Phosphorus flame retardants enhance char formation via esterification with cellulose hydroxyl groups.
• Bio-sourced flame retardants are increasingly sought after for sustainable material applications.
• Lignocellulosic components offer potential as replacements for synthetic flame retardants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the flammability of a new polymer synthesized by Michael 1,4-addition (rP).
• To evaluate novel intumescent flame retardant systems (FRs) incorporating lignocellulose.
• To compare the performance of modified polymers against unmodified rP and commercial flame retardants.

Main Methods:

• Thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) for thermal and thermomechanical properties.
• Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry (PCFC) for flammability assessment.
• Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (TGA/FT-IR) for evolved gas analysis.

Main Results:

• The polymer modified with melamine phosphate (MP) and peanut shells (PS) showed notable improvements in fire safety.
• Significant reductions in heat release rate and heat release capacity were observed.
• The developed FR systems demonstrated effectiveness comparable to or exceeding commercial intumescent flame retardants (IFR).

Conclusions:

• The developed intumescent flame retardant system, particularly MP and PS, effectively reduces the flammability of new polymers.
• Incorporating lignocellulose components like peanut shells is a viable strategy for creating sustainable flame-retardant materials.
• The study provides a foundation for further development of bio-sourced flame retardants for enhanced polymer fire safety.