Synergetic Effect of α-ZrP Nanosheets and Nitrogen-Based Flame Retardants on Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Han S. Yang F. Li Q. Sui G. Kalimuldina G. Araby S.
5 April 2023 American Chemical Society

ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
2023 #15 Issue 13 17054 - 17069 pp.

A supramolecular self-assembly method was used to prepare melamine cyanurate/α-ZrP nanosheets (MCA@α-ZrP) as a novel hybrid flame retardant for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Microstructure characterization showed a uniform dispersion with strong interfacial strength of the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid within the TPU matrix, leading to simultaneous enhancements in both mechanical and fire-safety properties. The TPU/MCA@α-ZrP nanocomposite exhibited 43.1 and 47.0% increments in tensile strength and fracture energy, respectively. Thanks to the platelike structure of α-ZrP coupled with the dilution effect of MCA (releasing nonflammable gases), the hybrid MCA@α-ZrP reduced the peak heat release rate of TPU by 49.7% in comparison with 15.8 and 35.4% for TPU/MCA and TPU/ α-ZrP composites, respectively. The fire performance index of TPU is significantly promoted by 90% upon adding the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid. Additionally, LOI and UL-94 tests showed high flame-retarding characteristics for the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid. For example, LOI increased from 20.0% for neat TPU to 25.5% for the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid system, and it was rated V-1 from the UL-94 test. Furthermore, the smoke production and pyrolysis products were significantly suppressed by adding the MCA@α-ZrP hybrid into TPU. Interfacial hydrogen bonding, the dilution effect of MCA, forming a “labyrinth” layer, and catalytic action of α-ZrP nanosheets synergistically improved both the mechanical performance and flame retardancy of TPU nanocomposites. This work provides a new example of integrating traditional flame retardants with functional nanosheets to develop polymeric nanocomposites with high mechanical and fire-safety properties.

flame retardant , mechanical properties , melamine cyanurate , synergy , zirconium phosphate

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Shi-Changxu Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Shenyang, 110016, China
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Science, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan

Shi-Changxu Innovation Center for Advanced Materials
School of Materials Science and Engineering
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

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