Burning Behaviour of Rigid Polyurethane Foams with Histidine and Modified Graphene Oxide

Abstract

Since rigid polyurethane (PU) foams are one of the most effective thermal insulation materials with widespread application, it is an urgent requirement to improve its fire retardancy and reduce the smoke emission. The current work assessed the fire behavior of PU foam with non-halogen fire retardants system, containing histidine (H) and modified graphene oxide (GOA). For investigated system, three loadings (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) were used. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimetry (CC) and smoke density chamber tests as well as pre- and post-burning morphological evaluation using scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed. Moreover, TGA combined with FT-IR was conducted to determine the substances, which could be evolved during the thermal decomposition of the PU with fire retardant system. The results indicated a reduction in heat release rate (HRR), maximum average rate of heat emission (MAHRE), the total heat release (THR) as well as the total smoke release (TSR), and maximum specific optical density (Dsmax) compared to the polyurethane with commercial fire retardant, namely ammonium polyphosphate (APP). A significantly improvement, especially in smoke suppression, suggested that HGOA system may be a candidate as a fire retardant to reduce the flammability of PU foams.

Polyurethane Composites Reinforced with Walnut Shell Filler Treated with Perlite, Montmorillonite and Halloysite

“…Polyurethanes are composed of rigid (hydrogen bonds) and flexible (the rest of the polyol chain) segments. After the formation of polyurethane macromolecule, the rigid segments are joined together, which leads to the formation of soft and hard domains [ 4 ]. The polyaddition reaction leading to the production of polyurethane materials is carried out in the presence of chain extenders, catalysts, flame retardants, and blowing agents [ 5 ].…”

“…Halloysite is another layered mineral. It is aluminosilicate clay with the chemical composition of Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 . Naturally, halloysite occurs as small cylinders.…”

Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Adhesive Bonds in a Mineral Wool-Based External Thermal Insulation Composite System for Timber Frame Buildings

“…The microstructure is one of the most notable factors that may affect polyurethane adhesive foam properties [ 40 ]. The structure, especially cell size and type, depends on the process parameters such as temperature, humidity and viscosity of mixture during foaming [ 40 , 46 , 47 ]. In general, foam’s physical and mechanical properties depend not only on the rigidity of the polymer matrix but are also related to the cellular structures [ 36 , 40 ].…”

Chlorine-Functional Silsesquioxanes (POSS-Cl) as Effective Flame Retardants and Reinforcing Additives for Rigid Polyurethane Foams

“…The number of open or damaged cells has increased and a larger dispersion of pore size can be observed. Presumably, POSS particles can act as nucleation centers, leading to the formation of smaller cells [ 35 ]. As shown in previous studies, particulate matter changes the rheology of the system and reduces the nucleation energy.…”