Novel wood-plastic composite fabricated via modified steel slag:Preparation,mechanical and flammability properties

A novel method was developed to enhance the utilization rate of steel slag(SS).Through treatment of SS with phosphoric acid and aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),we obtained modified SS(MSS),which was used to prepare MSS/wood-plastic composites(MSS/WPCs)by replacing talcum powder(TP).The composites were fabricated through melting blending and hot pressing.Their mechanical and combustion properties,which comprise heat release,smoke release,and thermal stability,were systematically investigated.MSS can improve the mechanical strength of the composites through grafting reactions between wood powder and thermoplastics.Notably,MSS/WPC#50(16wt%MSS)with an MSS-to-TP mass ratio of 1:1 exhibited optimal comprehensive performance.Compared with those of WPC#0 without MSS,the tensile,flexural,and impact strengths of MSS/WPC#50 were increased by 18.5%,12.8%,and 18.0%,respectively.Moreover,the MSS/WPC#50 sample achieved the highest limited oxygen index of 22.5%,the highest vertical burning rating at the V-1 level,and the lowest horizontal burning rate at 44.2 mm/min.The formation of a dense and stable char layer led to improved thermal stability and a considerable reduction in heat and smoke releases of MSS/WPC#50.However,the partial replacement of TP with MSS slightly compromised the mechanical and flame-retardant properties,possibly due to the weak grafting caused by SS powder agglomeration.These findings suggest the suitability of MSS/WPCs for high-value-added applications as decorative panels indoors or outdoors.

Superior Mechanical Behavior and Flame Retardancy FRP via a Distribution Controllable 1D/2D Hybrid Nanoclay Synergistic Toughening Strategy

The incorporation of commercial flame retardants into fiber-reinforced polymer(FRP)composites has been proposed as a potential solution to improve the latter’s poor flame resistance.However,this approach often poses a challenge,as it can adversely affect the mechanical properties of the FRP.Thus,balancing the need for improved flame resistance with the preservation of mechanical integrity remains a complex issue in FRP research.Addressing this critical concern,this study introduces a novel additive system featuring a combination of one-dimensional(1D)hollow tubular structured halloysite nanotubes(HNTs)and two-dimensional(2D)polygonal flake-shaped nano kaolinite(NKN).By employing a 1D/2D hybrid kaolinite nanoclay system,this research aims to simultaneously improve the flame retardancy and mechanical properties.This innovative approach offers several advantages.During combustion and pyrolysis processes,the 1D/2D hybrid kaolinite nanoclay system proves effective in reducing heat release and volatile leaching.Furthermore,the system facilitates the formation of reinforcing skeletons through a crosslinking mechanism during pyrolysis,resulting in the development of a compact char layer.This char layer acts as a protective barrier,enhancing the material’s resistance to heat and flames.In terms of mechanical properties,the multilayered polygonal flake-shaped 2D NKN plays a crucial role by impeding the formation of cracks that typically arise from vulnerable areas,such as adhesive phase particles.Simultaneously,the 1D HNT bridges these cracks within the matrix,ensuring the structural integrity of the composite material.In an optimal scenario,the homogeneously distributed 1D/2D hybrid kaolinite nanoclays exhibit remarkable results,with a 51.0%improvement in mode II fracture toughness(GIIC),indicating increased resistance to crack propagation.In addition,there is a 34.5%reduction in total heat release,signifying improved flame retardancy.This study represents a significant step forward in the field of composite materials.The innovative use of hybrid low-dimensional nanomaterials offers a promising avenue for the development of multifunctional composites.By carefully designing and incorporating these nanoclays,researchers can potentially create a new generation of FRP composites that excel in both flame resistance and mechanical strength.

Determination of Physical, Mechanical and Fire Retardancy Properties of Innovative Particleboard Made from Corn Stalk (Zea mays L.) Particles

The demand for particleboard is increasing along with economic and population growth.However,two major barriers to the manufacture of particleboard are a shortage of raw materials(woodchips)and the emission of formaldehyde from conventional adhesives.Agricultural by-products such as corn stalks contain an abundance of renewable lignocellulosic fiber.This study evaluates the effect of citric acid as a natural adhesive and fire retardant addition on the physical,mechanical,and fire retardancy properties of particleboards fabricated from corn stalks.A cost-effective and inorganic salt,calcium carbonate,was tested to enhance the fire retardancy.Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate was also considered as a comparative control.Particleboards with the addition of calcium carbonate was pretreated with sodium chloride.The particleboards were pressed for 10 min at 200℃.Japanese Industrial Standard JIS A 5908:2022 was used as the benchmark for the physical and mechanical tests.Fire retardancy was dynamically tested by simulating a Bushfire Attack Level of 19 kW/m^(2).The particleboard with 25 wt%citric acid had superior mechanical properties and complied with the JIS A 5908 standard for Type 13 base particleboard.Particleboard with the addition of calcium carbonate(5%and 10%)showed significantly delayed pyrolysis time.

Dynamic Mechanical Characterizations and Road Performances of Flame Retardant Asphalt Mortars and Concretes

To research the dynamic mechanical properties and road performances of flame retardant asphalt mortars and mixtures, four different asphalt mortars/mixtures were prepared: a reference group and three asphalt mortars/mixtures containing composite flame retardant materials(M-FRs) of different proportions. Temperature sweep, frequency sweep, repeated creep test, force ductility test and bending beam rheological test were carried out to research the dynamic mechanical properties of asphalt mortars containing M-FRs; wheeltracking test, low-temperature bending test and freeze-thaw split test were used to study the road performances of asphalt mixtures containing M-FRs. The results show that high-temperature performances of the three flame retardant asphalt mortars improve greatly, while low-temperature cracking resistances decline. Both hightemperature performances and water stabilities of asphalt mixtures containing M-FRs are quite good and exceed the specification requirements. However, their low-temperature performances decline in different degrees. In summary, besides their good flame retardancy, the flame retardant asphalt mortars and mixtures also exhibit acceptable road performance.

PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON STRUCTURES AND PROPERTIES OF WATER-RETENTIVE, FLAME-RETARDANT ACRYLIC FIBERS

The blend fibers of acrylonitrile-vinylidene chloride-sodium methallysulfonate copolymer(AN-VDC-SMAS) and cellulose acetate (CA) with various blend ratios were investigated bymeans of SEM, DDV, WAXD, etc. The results show that AN-VDC-SMAS and CA areincompatibale; the numerous microvoids in the blend fiber resulted from the phase seperationcan remarkably improve the water absorbability and the dyeing behavior but hardly influencethe mechanical properties. On the other hand, the crystal structure of the continuous phaseAN-VDC-SMAS is not influnced by the dispersed phase CA.

Mechanical Properties and Fire Retardancy of Wood Flour/High-Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Continuous Honeycomb-Like Nano-SiO_(2)Network and Fire Retardant

The mechanical properties of wood flour/high-density polyethylene composites(WPC)were improved by adding a small amount of nano-SiO_(2)to obtain a network-structured WPC with a continuous honeycomb-like nano-SiO_(2)network.The wood flour was modified with a fire retardant(a mixture of sodium octabonate and amidine urea phosphate)to improve its fire retardancy.The flexural properties,creep resistance,thermal expansion,and fire retardancy of the WPC were compared to a control(WPCCTRL)without nano-SiO_(2)or fire retardant.The flexural strength and modulus of the WPC containing only 0.55 wt.%nano-SiO_(2)were 6.6%and 9.1%higher than the control,respectively,while the creep strain and thermal expansion rate at 90°C were 33.8%and 13.6%lower,respectively.The cone calorimetry tests revealed that the nano-SiO_(2)network physically shielded the WPC,giving it lower heat release and smoke production rates.The thermal expansion was further decreased by incorporating fire retardants into the WPC,which showed the lowest total heat release and total smoke production and the highest mass retention.This study demonstrates a facile procedure for producing WPC with desired performances by forming a continuous honeycomb-like network by adding a small amount of nanoparticles.

Effect of Blending Ratio on Properties of Core Yarn and Fabric of Polysulfonamide(PSA)/Flame Retardant Viscose(FRV)/Conductive Filament

In order to develop a fabric with excellent flame resistance function,antistatic function,moisture absorption and breathability,the polysulfonamide(PSA)fiber and the flame retardant viscose(FRV)fiber were blended.Meanwhile,the conductive filaments were used as the core yarn,and then they were made into the core-spun yarn and the fabric at different blending ratios of PSA/FRV.The effects of the blending ratio of PSA/FRV on the mechanical properties and the evenness of the yarn were studied.The effects of the blending ratio of PSA/FRV on mechanical properties,flame retardant properties,antistatic properties,moisture permeability and drape of the fabric were analyzed.With the increase of the blending ratios of PSA/FRV,the strength and the elongation of the core-spun yarn increased firstly and then decreased.Moreover,the evenness of the core-spun yarn was improved,the fabric strength increased firstly and then decreased,the flame resistance decreased,and the antistatic performance improved.These results provide an important basis for the preparation and wide application of fabrics made of PSA/FRV/conductive filament.

Synergistic Flame Retardant Effect of Ammonium Polyphosphate and Aluminum Hydroxide on Polyurethane

The flame-retardant properties of polyurethane(PU)containing ammonium polyphosphate(APP)and aluminum hydroxide(ATH)were investigated.Moreover,the flame retardant performance was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis,limiting oxygen index(LOI),vertical combustion(UL 94),and cone calorimeter.When 15 wt%APP and 5 wt%ATH were added together,the PU/15%APP/5%ATH sample shows better thermal stability and flame-retardant properties.When 15 wt%APP and 5 wt%ATH were added together,the LOI value of the PU/15%APP/5%ATH sample was 30.5%,and UL 94 V-0 rating was attained.Compared with PU,the peak heat release rate(PHRR),total heat release(THR),and average effective heat combustion(av-EHC)of the PU/15%APP/5%ATH sample decreased by 43.1%,21.0%,and 29.4%,respectively.In addition,the flame-retardant mechanism was investigated through cone calorimeter.The APP/ATH addition simultaneously exerted condensed phase and gas phase flame retardant effects.APP and ATH have synergistic flame retardant properties.

Study on the microstructure and mechanical properties of medium carbon Cr-Si-Mn-Mo-V steel for cast inserted dies

The microstructure and mechanical properties of cast inserted dies for automobile covering components were studied. The results show that the as-cast microstructures of cast inserted dies are composed of pearlite, martensite, bainite, and austenite; and that the annealed microstructure is granular pearlite. The mechanical properties of cast inserted dies approach that of forged inserted dies. The tensile strength is 855 MPa, the elongation is 16%, the impact toughness is 177 J/cm2, and the hardness after annealing and quenching are HRC 19 and HRC 60-62. In addition, the cast inserted dies have good hardenability. The depth of the hardening zone and the hardness after flame quenching satisfy the operating requirements. The cast inserted dies could completely replace the forged inserted dies for making the dies of automobile covering components.

Flame-retardant Mechanism of Magnesium Oxychloride in Epoxy Resin

Flame-retardant mechanism of magnesium oxychloride （M OC） in EP was in-vestigated by limiting oxygen index （LOI）, XRD, SEM, TG-DTG and DSC. The results show that MOC performed well as an inorganic flame-retardant in EP. When the content of MOC is 50%, the LOI of EP reaches 29.6% and mass of residual char reaches 9.6%. The flame retarde mechanism of MOC is due to the synergies of diluting, cooling, catalyzing char forming and obstructing effects.

A Vanillin-Derived,DOPO-Contained Bisphenol as a Reactive Flame Retardant for High-Performance Epoxy Thermosets

Quest for bio-based halogen-free green flame retardant has attracted many concerns in recent years.Herein a reactive functional flame retardant containing phosphorus VDP is synthesized from vanillin,9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphophene-10-oxide(DOPO)and phenol via a facile way.VDP is characterized with^(1)H NMR,^(31)P NMR,FTIR and Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry,and used as a new reactive flame retardant for bisphenol epoxy thermosets.Thermogravimetry analysis shows that when the VDP loading is only 0.5P%(based on phosphorus content),the residue increases from 14.2%to 21.1%at 750℃ in N_(2)compare with neat DGEBA.Correspondingly,the limit oxygen index increased to 29.6%,and flame retardancy reaches UL-94 V0 grade.Micro combustion calorimetry(MCC)and cone calorimetry analyses demonstrate that VDP can significantly lower flammability of the epoxy thermoset.With only 0.5P%of VDP,the heat release rate,total heat release rate and smoke production are reduced markedly.At the same time,the mechanical properties of the modified epoxy thermosets are also improved.The impact strength increases by 34%and the flexural strength increased by 23%,with 1.5P%of VDP.In short,VDP not only improves the flame retardancy,but also improves the mechanical properties of the epoxy thermosets.

Combustion Properties of Textiles Applied in Tibet Ancient Buildings and Their Clean Flame Retarding Designs

In the Tibet ancient buildings, there are large amounts of combustible decorative textiles that pose great potential fire hazards. Some typical textile samples were collected from the Potala Palace. Their combustion properties were analyzed by UL 94 Vertical Burning test and Limiting Oxygen Index test. The effects of plateau climate on combustion properties, an important fact required to be considered in the flame retarding design for combustible textiles, were preliminarily compared via test data in the plain and those in the plateau. Based on the foregoing analyses, some thoughts were presented on the clean and feasible flame retarding means for the decorative textiles due to their special applications in Tibet, in ancient buildings and in plateau climate. The fire resistance, weather resistance, UV resistance, endurance, ornamentation and religious performances for these textiles must be taken into considerations comprehensively in the designs.

A Novel Bio-Based Zirconium Phosphonate as a Flame Retardant and Smoke Suppressant for Epoxy Resin

Although epoxy resin has been widely used in various fields,it still suffers from some problems including brittleness and flammability.In this study,a new phosphonic acid,N,N-bis(phosphomethyl)glycine(GDMP),was prepared by Mannich reaction with bio-based glycine and then a novel layered zirconium phosphonate(ZrGDMP)was synthesized using GDMP and zirconyl chloride hydrate as reactants.The chemical structure of ZrGDMP was well characterized by 1 H and 31P NMR,SEM,XRD and XPS.The effect of ZrGDMP on the flame retardancy,smoke suppression,strengthening and toughening performances of the epoxy matrix was investigated and evaluated.TGA results indicated that compared with pure EP,ZrGDMP-EP composites showed higher char yield due to the catalytic charring effect of ZrGDMP.The pure EP exhibited high flammability,while ZrGDMP-EP composites possessed excellent thermal stability and remarkable fire resistance.The PHRR,THR,and TSP values of 3wt%ZrGDMP-EP were obviously declined by 39.6%,40.2%,and 24.9%compared to these of pure EP.Moreover,the tensile and impact tests implied that the addition of ZrGDMP can significantly reinforce the toughness as well as the strength of EP in terms of higher impact strength(24.8 kJ/m^(2))and tensile strength(57.7 MPa),which was mainly contributed to the uniform dispersion of ZrGDMP within the EP matrix.

Recent Advances in Flame Retardant Bio-Based Benzoxazine Resins

Benzoxazines have attracted wide attention from academics all over the world because of their unique properties.However,most of the production and preparation of benzoxazine resins depends on petroleum resources now,especially bisphenol A-based benzoxazine.Therefore,owing to the environmental impacts,the development of bio-based benzoxazines is gaining more and more interest to substitute petroleum-based benzoxazines.Similar to petroleum-based benzoxazines,most of bio-based benzoxazines suffer from flammability.Thus,it is necessary to endow bio-based benzoxazines with outstanding flame retardancy.The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest advance in flame retardant bio-based benzoxazines.First,three methods of the synthesis of bio-based benzoxazines are introduced briefly.Furthermore,the curing mechanism of benzoxazine and the effect of branched chains on the curing behavior are also discussed and summarized.Subsequently,this review focuses on fully bio-based benzoxazines,partly bio-based benzoxazines,and bio-based benzoxazine composite materials in terms of flame retardancy as well as thermal stability and some other special properties.Finally,we give a brief comment on the challenges and prospects of the future development of flame retardant bio-based benzoxazines.

Influence of a Mineral Filler on the Fire Behaviour and Mechanical Properties of a Wood Waste Composite Material Stabilized with Expanded Polystyrene

The use of vegetable fibers composites in structures sometimes presents significant fires risks because of their high flammability. This work aims to study the impact of the addition of mineral filler (clay) on the fire behaviour of wood-polystyrene composites and their mechanical properties. Thus, composites containing 25% of expanded polystyrene binder have been produced. On this base material, proportions of clay ranging from 0% to 15% were gradually added. These samples were elaborated by compaction and for some them, submitted to thermoforming after drying. Both kinds of sample were subjected to flame persistence test;flexural strength and compressive strength test were also measured. The results show that composites without mineral filler ignite continuously until the total consumption and when the mineral filler content increases the combustion time decreases. The addition of the mineral filler allows these composites to pass from class M3 of moderately flammable combustible materials to class M2 of hardly flammable materials, according to the M classification of construction and furnishing materials. The measurement of the mechanical properties shows that the strengths increase when the filler content goes from 0% to 10% and then decrease. This leads to set the optimum content of mineral filler around 10%.

A strategy to synthesize phosphorus-containing nickel phyllosilicate whiskers to enhance the flame retardancy of epoxy composites with excellent mechanical and dry-friction properties

To enhance the fire safety and wear resistance of epoxy,phosphorus-containing nickel phyllosilicate whiskers(FP-NiPS)were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal technology,with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene as the organic modifier.The impacts of FP-NiPS on the thermal stability,flame retardancy,and mechanical and tribological properties of EP composites were explored.The findings demonstrated that 5 wt%FP-NiPS elevated the limiting oxygen index of the EP composite from 23.8%to 28.4%,achieving a V-0 rating during vertical burning tests.FP-NiPS could enhance the thermal stability of epoxy resin(EP)and facilitate the development of a dense and continuous carbon layer,thereby significantly improving the fire safety of the EP composites.The FP-NiPS led to an 8.2%increase in the tensile strength and a 38.8%increase in the elastic modulus of the EP composite,showing outstanding mechanical properties.Furthermore,FP-NiPS showed remarkable potential in enhancing the wear resistance of EP.The wear rate of 1 wt%FP-NiPS is 2.34×10^(−5) mm^(3)·N^(−1)·m^(−1),a decrease of 66.7%compared to EP.This work provides a novel promising modification method to enhance the fire safety,mechanical and wear resistance properties of EP.

Crystallization, Mechanical and Flame-retardant Properties of Poly(lactic acid) Composites with DOPO and DOPO-POSS

Poly（lactic acid） （PLA） composites with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide （DOPO） and DOPO- containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane （DOPO-POSS） were prepared via melting extrusion and injection molding. The crystallization, mechanical, and flame-retardant properties of PLA/DOPO and PLA/DOPO-POSS were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis （TGA）, limiting oxygen index （LOI）, and cone calorimeter test. The DSC results showed that the DOPO added could act as a plasticizer as reflected by lower glass transition temperature and inhibited crystallization of part of the PLA; the DOPO-POSS acted like a filler in the PLA matrix and slightly improved the crystallinity of the PLA matrix. The XRD and DSC analyses indicated that the PLA composites by cold molding injection were amorphous, and the PLA composites following a heat treatment in an oven at 120 ℃for 30 min achieved crystallinity. All the PLA and its composites after heat treatment had improved mechanical properties. The thermogravimetric analysis （TGA） tests showed that the PLA, DOPO and DOPO-POSS decomposed separately in the PLA/DOPO and PLA/DOPO-POSS, respectively. The cone calorimeter tests offered clear evidence that addition of the DOPO-POSS resulted in an evident reduction of 25% for the peak of heat release rate （p-HRR）. It was also confirmed that the crystalline flame-retardant PLA composites after heat treatment had better flame retardant properties than the amorphous PLA composites prepared by the cold molding.

Study on the Properties of Microcapsulated Chlorocyclophosphazene Polypropylene Composites

Microcapsulated chlorocyclophosphazenes were synthesized,and then microcapsulated chlorocyclo- phosphazene/polypropylene(PP)composites were prepared.The results showed that microcapsulated chlorocyclo- phosphazene had good high thermal stability through thermogravimetric analysis(TGA).The flammability and mechanical properties of microcapsulated chlorocyclophosphazene/polypropylene composites were investigated by limiting oxygen index experiment,UL 94V flame retardancy test,cone calorimetry,tensile experiment,and impact test,respectively.It was shown that the microcapsulated chlorocyclophosphazene/PP composites had better tensile strength,impact strength,flame retardant properties and smoke suppress properties compared with chlorocyclo- phosphazene/PP composites.

Comparative Study on the Properties of Inorganic Silicate and Organic Phenolic Prepolymer Modified Poplar Wood by Vacuum Cycle Pressurization

To enhance mechanical properties and improve flame retardancy and smoke suppression of fast-growing poplar wood in wood applications,the wood was impregnated and modified.An organic phenolic prepolymer and inorganic sodium silicate was used as contrasting impregnation modifiers and wood samples were impregnated by a bionic“respiration”method with alternating positive and negative pressure.The weight percentage gain,density increase ratio,mechanical properties(bending and compressive strength and hardness),and water absorption rate of inorganic and organic-impregnated modified poplar wood(IIMPW and OIMPW,respectively)were compared and these properties in IIMPW were found to be higher than those of OIMPW with the exception of the water absorption rate which was lower than the OIMPW.This was attributed to the superior absorption of sodium silicate that also improved the impregnation,reinforcement,and dimensional stability in the IIMPW.The chemical structure,crystalline structure,internal morphology,flame retardancy,smoke suppression,and thermal stability of IIMPW and OIMPW were characterized by FT-IR,XRD,SEM,CONE,and TGA.FT-IR and XRD results showed that,although IIMPW cellulose crystallinity reduced the most,more chemical bonds were come into being in IIMPW,which explained the better physical and mechanical properties of IIMPW.Compared with OIMPW,IIMPW had better flame retardant and smoke suppression performance.

高性能有机硅灌封胶的制备与性能研究

以端乙烯基硅油(1000 mPa·s)和侧乙烯基硅油(500 mPa·s)复配为基体树脂,含氢硅油为固化剂,乙烯基硅烷偶联剂为增黏剂,乙烯基MQ树脂和气相白炭黑为补强材料,氢氧化镁和硅系阻燃剂(FCA-107)为阻燃填料,成功制备了一款具有无卤阻燃特性及优异力学性能和电气绝缘性能的有机硅灌封胶,并研究了硅油复配比例、各填料添加量对有机硅灌封胶性能的影响。结果表明:当端乙烯基硅油与侧乙烯基硅油的复配比例为5∶5,乙烯基硅烷偶联剂质量分数为3%,气相白炭黑质量分数为4%,乙烯基MQ树脂质量分数为30%,复配阻燃剂质量分数为20%时,有机硅灌封胶的综合性能达到最佳,其混合黏度为1842 mPa·s,拉伸强度为2.83 MPa,断裂伸长率为51.3%,拉伸剪切强度为2.12MPa,阻燃性能(UL 94)达到V-0级,电气强度达到24.3 kV/mm,体积电阻率为3.8×10^(15)Ω·cm,制备的有机硅灌封胶可以满足电子元器件的发展要求。