Improving the fire performance and smoke suppression of expandable polystyrene foams by coating with multi-dimensional carbon nanoparticles

Bo Cao, Ting Yu, Jun Sun, Xiaoyu Gu, Xiaodong Liu, Hongfei Li, Bin Fei, Sheng Zhang

    Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Expandable graphite (EG) and modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes (ATH-MWNT) were introduced to expandable polystyrene (EPS) foams in order to improve its fire performance. The fire performance of EPS foams was evaluated by limiting the oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning (UL-94), and cone calorimetry tests. The results showed that the presence of 14.3% EG and 4.1% ATH-MWNT increased the LOI value from 18.0 to 30.3%, upgraded the UL-94 rating from no rating to V-0, completely eliminated melt dripping, and significantly decreased the peak heat release rate from 933 to 177 kW/m2. Thermal analysis indicated that the thermal stability and char formation were improved by the presence of flame retardants. The char morphology was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). It was suggested that the presence of EG and ATH-MWNT could form integrated char layers during combustion, which was beneficial to the formation of an intumescent protective char structure.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article numbere49227
    JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
    Volume137
    Issue number40
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 20 Oct 2020

    Keywords

    • carbon nanoparticles
    • expandable polystyrene foams
    • fire performance
    • smoke suppression

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Chemistry
    • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
    • Polymers and Plastics
    • Materials Chemistry

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