Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Circular and Green Polymer Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2024) | Viewed by 25945

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ye-Tang Pan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

National Engineering Technology Research Center of Flame Retardant Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: nano-flame retardant synthesis; flame-retardant polymer nanocomposites; metal–organic framework-based flame retardants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Zhishuai Geng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: intrinsic flame-retardant polymers; dynamic network; controlled polymerization; antimicrobial polymers; polyionene; surface modification

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Polymers aims to highlight some of the most innovative findings in the preparation, performance, and application of flame-retardant polymeric materials with considerations of their impact on human health and environment sustainability.

In spite of the inherent flammability and fire hazards associated with synthetic polymers, their uses are increasing in contemporary society. This is primarily due to their ease of production, low cost, light weight and good processability. Thus, the necessity to overcome fire safety problems is increasingly urgent. On the other hand, the increasing awareness of environmental issues and energy crises, and the introduction of more strict government policies, have all suggested new requirements for flame-retardant polymeric materials. In this respect, green flame-retardant polymer material has attracted widespread attention.

We invite the research community to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting comprehensive reviews or original research articles.

The topics of interest include but are not limited to:

Novel flame retardants and synergists, flame-retardant co-monomers and co-polymers, macromolecular flame retardants, intrinsic flame-retardant polymers;
Bio-inspired fire retardants and fire-retardant polymeric materials derived from natural resources;
Fundamentals of polymer combustion, toxicity of combustion products, thermal stability, heat transfer, smoke release, and flame-retardant mechanisms;
Assessment of the migration/leaching of flame retardants from polymers;
Recycling of flame-retardant polymer composites;
Flame retardancy of recycled polymers;
Environmental impact of flame retardant polymers.

Dr. Ye-Tang Pan
Dr. Zhishuai Geng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

non-halogen flame retardancy
organic–inorganic hybrid polymeric materials
intumescent flame retardants
biobased flame retardants
polymer nanocomposites
surface treatments and coatings
smoke and toxicity reduction
flame-retardant mechanisms
fire safety regulation
flame retardant ecological issues

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 2808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elastomeric Fire and Heat-Protective Materials Containing Functionally Active Microheterogeneous Systems

by Vladimir G. Kochetkov, Daria A. Kryukova, Daniil A. Urzhumov, Oksana M. Novopoltseva, Natalia A. Keibal, Vladimir Burmistrov and Victor F. Kablov

Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2163; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152163 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 615

Abstract

This research aims to explore how functionally active structures affect the physical, mechanical, thermal, and fire-resistant properties of elastomeric compositions using ethylene–propylene–diene rubber as a base. The inclusion of aluminosilicate microspheres, microfibers, and a phosphorus–boron–nitrogen–organic modifier in these structures creates a synergistic effect, enhancing the material’s heat-insulating properties by strengthening coke and carbonization processes. This results in a 12–19% increase in heating time for unheated sample surfaces and a 6–17% increase in residual coke compared to existing analogs. Microspheres help counteract the negative impact of microfibers on composition density and thermal conductivity, while the phosphorus–boron–containing modifier allows for controlling the formation of the coke layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Fabrication of Highly Efficient Chitosan-Based Multifunctional Coating for Cotton Fabrics with Excellent Flame-Retardant and Antibacterial Properties

by Yuan-Yuan Huang, Li-Ping Zhang, Xing Cao, Xin-Yu Tian and Yan-Peng Ni

Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101409 - 16 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1240

Abstract

Interest in the development of eco-friendly, sustainable, and convenient bio-based coatings to enhance flame retardancy and antibacterial properties in cotton fabrics is growing. In this work, chitosan was protonated at its amino groups using a method with a high atom economy using an equimolar amount of amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP), resulting in the fabrication of a single-component chitosan-based multifunctional coating (ATMP-CS), thereby avoiding any additional neutralization or purification steps. Cotton fabrics coated with various loads of ATMP-CS were prepared through a padding–drying–curing process. The morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties, antibacterial properties, flame-retardant behavior, and flame-retardant mechanism of these fabrics were investigated. The coating exhibited excellent film-forming properties, and it imparted a uniform protective layer onto the surfaces of the cotton fabrics. When the load capacity reached 11.5%, the coated fabrics achieved a limiting oxygen index of 29.7% and successfully passed the VFT test. Moreover, the ATMP-CS coating demonstrated antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reaching 95.1% and 99.9%, respectively. This work presents a straightforward and gentle approach to fabricating colorless, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient fabric coatings that have potential applications in promoting the use of bio-based materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 8283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silicon Hybrid EPDM Composite with High Thermal Protection Performance

by Chenyang Yan, Bo Chen, Xiangmei Li, Jiyu He, Xin Zhao, Yanli Zhu and Rongjie Yang

Polymers 2024, 16(5), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050695 - 4 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1675

Abstract

The effects of octaphenylsilsesquioxane (OPS), fumed silica, and silica aerogel on the thermal insulation properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber were studied. On this basis, two kinds of fillers with good performances were selected to study the thermal insulation of an EPDM full-formula system. The results show that the addition of fumed silica or silica aerogel had a positive effect on the thermal insulation performance of EPDM rubber and its composite. A 30 wt% silica aerogel can be well dispersed in the EPDM rubber system and with a lower thermal conductivity compared with fumed silica. EPDM composite with 23.4 wt% fumed silica can produce more char residues at 1000 °C than at 500 °C in a burn-through test and formed the compact and porous char at 1000 °C, which had a lowest thermal conductivity. EPDM composite with fumed silica cannot be burned through 1000 °C burning, and comparison with silica aerogel revealed that it achieved the lowest back temperature and had a temperature of 388 °C after 800 s. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 11295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Hyacinth Fiber as a Bio-Based Carbon Source for Intumescent Flame-Retardant Poly (Butylene Succinate) Composites

by Anothai Suwanniroj and Nitinat Suppakarn

Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4211; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214211 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1650

Abstract

In this study, flame-retardant poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) composites were developed utilizing a bio-based intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system. Water hyacinth fiber (WHF) was used as a bio-based carbon source, while ammonium polyphosphate (APP) served as both an acid source and a blowing agent. Effects of WHF:APP weight ratio and total IFR content on the thermal stability and flammability of WHF/APP/PBS composites were investigated. The results demonstrated that the 15WHF/30APP/PBS composite with a WHF to APP ratio of 1:2 and a total IFR content of 45 wt% had a maximum limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 28.8% and acquired good flame retardancy, with a UL-94 V-0 rating without polymer-melt dripping. Additionally, its peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) were, respectively, 53% and 42% lower than those of the neat PBS. Char residue analysis revealed that the optimal WHF:APP ratio and total IFR content promoted the formation of a high graphitized intumescent char with a continuous and dense structure. In comparison to the neat PBS, the tensile modulus of the 15WHF/30APP/PBS composite increased by 163%. Findings suggested the possibility of employing WHF, a natural fiber, as an alternative carbon source for intumescent flame-retardant PBS composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Application of a Multifunctional Interfacial Modifier for Ramie Fiber/Epoxy Resin Composites

by Liyue Zhang, Jingkai Liu, Jinyue Dai, Xufeng Zhang, Xiaoling Liu, Xiaoqing Liu and Xiaosu Yi

Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3800; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183800 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1563

Abstract

A multi-functional modifier, which could improve the mechanical and thermal performance simultaneously, is significant in composites production. Herein, inspired by the chemistry of mussel, an interfacial modifier named FPD was designed and synthesized through one simple step, which was attached by three functional groups (including catechol, N-H bond, and DOPO). Due to the innate properties of each functional group, FPD played multiple roles: adhere to the ramie fibers from catechol and cure with the epoxy resin from -NH-, an antiflaming property from DOPO, and the compatibilizer between ramie fibers and epoxy resin was also improved by changing the polarity of ramie fiber. All of the above functions can be proved by means of water contact angle (WCA), atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. After solidification, the ramie fiber/epoxy composites demonstrated superior performances in terms of good mechanical properties and excellent flame retardant property. With the addition of 30 wt.% FPD, the tensile strength and modulus of the ramie/epoxy composite showed an improvement of 37.1% and 60.9%, and flexural strength and modulus of the composite were improved by 8.9% and 19.3% comparing with no addition composite. Moreover, the composite could achieve the goal for V-0 rating in the UL-94 test and LOI value was 34.6% when the addition of FPD reached 30 wt.%. This work provided us with an efficient method for fabricating nature fiber/epoxy composites with good properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 4833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flame-Retardance Functionalization of Jute and Jute-Cotton Fabrics

by Most Setara Begum, Abdul Kader and Rimvydas Milašius

Polymers 2023, 15(11), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112563 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

Jute is a ligno-cellulosic natural fiber that ranks second in terms of the volume of cellulosic fibers and is extensively utilized for technical textile applications. The goal of this study is to determine the flame-retardance (FR) properties of pure Jute and Jute-Cotton fabrics treated with Pyrovatex CP New at concentrations of 90% (owf), M:L: 1:7. Both fabrics exhibited a substantial improvement in flame-retardancy. After the ignition period, the recorded flame spread time in both FR treated fabrics was zero seconds; whereas for untreated Jute and Jute-Cotton fabrics, the flame spread time was measured 21 s and 28 s, respectively, to burn their entire length (15 cm). Within these flame-spread times, the length of the char was 2.1 cm and 2.57 cm in the Jute and Jute-Cotton fabrics, respectively. After FR finishing, on both fabrics in the warp and weft directions, the physico-mechanical properties significantly decreased. The deposition of flame-retardant finishes on the fabric surface was determined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images. According to Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, the flame-retardant chemical had no effect on the inherent properties of the fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis revealed that FR treated fabrics had early degradation, resulting in the formation of more char than in the untreated samples. After FR treatment, both fabrics showed a significant improvement in residual mass (more than 50%). Although the formaldehyde content observed in the FR treated samples was significantly greater, it was still within the permitted limit formaldehyde content in textiles intended for outerwear and not worn next to the skin. The results of this investigation demonstrate the potential use of Pyrovatex CP New in jute-based materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Mechanism of Toughened and Flame-Retardant Bio-Based Polylactic Acid Composites

by Kai Xu, Chentao Yan, Chunlin Du, Yue Xu, Bin Li and Lubin Liu

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020300 - 6 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2397

Abstract

As a biodegradable thermoplastic, polylactic acid (PLA) shows great potential to replace petroleum-based plastics. Nevertheless, the flammability and brittleness of PLA seriously limits its use in emerging applications. This work is focused on simultaneously improving the flame-retardancy and toughness of PLA at a low additive load via a simple strategy. The PLA/MKF/NTPA biocomposites were prepared by incorporating alkali-treated, lightweight, renewable kapok fiber (MKF) and high-efficiency, phosphorus-nitrogenous flame retardant (NTPA) into the PLA matrix based on the extrusion–injection molding method. When the additive loads of MKF and NTPA were 0.5 and 3.0 wt%, respectively, the PLA/MKF/NTPA biocomposites (PLA3.0) achieved a rating of UL-94 V-0 with an LOI value of 28.3%, and its impact strength (4.43 kJ·m⁻²) was improved by 18.8% compared to that of pure PLA. Moreover, the cone calorimetry results confirmed a 9.7% reduction in the average effective heat of combustion (av-EHC) and a 0.5-fold increase in the flame retardancy index (FRI) compared to the neat PLA. NTPA not only exerted a gas-phase flame-retardant role, but also a condensed-phase barrier effect during the combustion process of the PLA/MKF/NTPA biocomposites. Moreover, MKF acted as an energy absorber to enhance the toughness of the PLA/MKF/NTPA biocomposites. This work provides a simple way to prepare PLA biocomposites with excellent flame-retardancy and toughness at a low additive load, which is of great importance for expanding the application range of PLA biocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of an Eco-Friendly Clay-Based Coating for Enhancing Flame Retardant and Mechanical Properties of Cotton Fabrics via LbL Assembly

by Mingjia Kang, Silu Chen, Rongjie Yang, Dinghua Li and Wenchao Zhang

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4994; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14224994 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2319

Abstract

An eco-friendly clay-based synergistic flame-retardant coating was established on cotton fabrics via facile layer-by-layer assembly derived from polyethyleneimine (PEI), attapulgite clay (ATP), and phytic acid (PA). The fabricated flame-retardant (FR) cotton fabrics demonstrated improved thermal stability. Compared to untreated cotton fabrics, the limiting oxygen index of Cotton-8TL was improved to 27.0%. The peak heat release rates of the prepared FR cotton fabrics were lower than that of the pristine cotton fabrics, showing a maximum reduction of 41%. The deposition coating system improved the amount of char residue effectively. The intumescent flame-retardant mechanism was proposed through the analysis of char residue and the suppression properties of volatile gases. Furthermore, compared with those of the untreated cotton fabrics, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the FR cotton fabrics in the warp direction were improved by 20% and 47% remarkably, respectively. A feasible surface modification strategy was provided for the flame-retardant treatment of cotton fabrics with the improvement of mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

37 pages, 21270 KiB

Open AccessReview

Strategy for Constructing Phosphorus-Based Flame-Retarded Polyurethane Elastomers for Advanced Performance in Long-Term

by Yuxin Luo, Zhishuai Geng, Wenchao Zhang, Jiyu He and Rongjie Yang

Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3711; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183711 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3428

Abstract

Polyurethane elastomer (PUE), which is widely used in coatings for construction, transportation, electronics, aerospace, and other fields, has excellent physical properties. However, polyurethane elastomers are flammable, which limits their daily use, so the flame retardancy of polyurethane elastomers is very important. Reactive flame retardants have the advantages of little influence on the physical properties of polymers and low tendency to migrate out. Due to the remarkable needs of non-halogenated flame retardants, phosphorus flame retardant has gradually stood out as the main alternative. In this review, we focus on the fire safety of PUE and provide a detailed overview of the current molecular design and mechanisms of reactive phosphorus-containing, as well as P-N synergistic, flame retardants in PUE. From the structural characteristics, several basic aspects of PUE are overviewed, including thermal performance, combustion performance, and mechanical properties. In addition, the perspectives on the future advancement of phosphorus-containing flame-retarded polyurethane elastomers (PUE) are also discussed. Based on the past research, this study provides prospects for the application of flame-retarded PUE in the fields of self-healing materials, bio-based materials, wearable electronic devices, and solid-state electrolytes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 8092 KiB

Open AccessReview

Flame Retardancy of Nylon 6 Fibers: A Review

by Xiaocheng Guo, Linjing Liu, Haisheng Feng, Dinghua Li, Zhonghua Xia and Rongjie Yang

Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092161 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7177

Abstract

As synthetic fibers with superior performances, nylon 6 fibers are widely used in many fields. Due to the potential fire hazard caused by flammability, the study of the flame retardancy of nylon 6 fibers has been attracting more and more attention. The review has summarized the present research status of flame-retarded nylon 6 fibers from three aspects: intrinsic flame-retarded nylon 6, nylon 6 composites, and surface strategies of nylon 6 fibers/fabrics. The current main focus is still how to balance the application performances, flame retardancy, and production cost. Moreover, melt dripping during combustion remains a key challenge for nylon 6 fibers, and the further developing trend is to study novel flame retardants and new flame-retardancy technologies for nylon 6 fibers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI