Nanoporous carbon doped with metal oxide microsphere as renewable flame retardant for integrating high flame retardancy and antibacterial properties of thermoplastic polymer composites

Abstract

Innovative, renewable and cost-effective porous composites were developed for integrating high fire safety and antibacterial properties for thermoplastic polymers. Sustainable porous carbon sheets were developed from plum stones as fruits-by-products via single carbonization step affording dual environmental and economic benefits. The as-developed porous carbon own specific surface area of 165 m2 g−1 which is characteristic of mesoporous feature of an average mesopore size of 2.1 nm, in addition to naturally doped nitrogen species. The obtained porous carbons sheets were dispersed in different mass loadings in to polystyrene matrix-producing polymer composites. Interestingly, SnO2 microsphere of an average size of 2 µm was synthesized on the surface of developed porous carbon sheets producing new porous composites. The new composites were elucidated using XRD, FT-IR and SEM–EDS. Then, the developed composites were dispersed in polystyrene. The mass loadings were altered and studied. The progress in fire safety, thermal stability and antibacterial properties for developed polymer composites was studied. The flame retardancy of the new composites was significantly improved achieving rate of burning of 20.5 mm min−1 compared to 46.5 mm min−1 for blank polymer. This superior flame retardancy was corroborated by recording LOI value of 24.5% compared to 18% for virgin polymer. This attained flame retardancy was ascribed to the synergistic effect between porous carbon sheets contained nitrogen and SnO2 microsphere. The new composites afford promising inhibition for bacterial growth achieving clear antibacterial inhibition zone of 11 mm compared to zero for blank sample. The flame retardancy action was studied and elucidated.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Docking Study of Novel Thioureidophosphonate-Incorporated Silver Nanocomposites as Potent Antibacterial Agents

“…Additionally, the molecular docking studies were in good coherence with most experimental results for TPs and TP/Ag NCs. Based on the above considerations, some structural modifications may be applied in the future to exploit these compounds in various applications such as antibacterial textile fabrics, antibacterial food packaging films, and antibacterial thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites [ 83 , 84 , 85 ].…”

Supramolecular-Wrapped α-Zirconium Phosphate Nanohybrid for Fire Safety and Reduced Toxic Emissions of Thermoplastic Polyurethane

“…There are attempts to develop various types of flame retardants (FRs) as alternatives to traditional ones. Green and multifunctional FRs were extensively investigated to replace traditional FRs. − For example, porous carbon sheets were derived from plum stones and decorated with SnO 2 microspheres; the hybrid filler was added into polystyrene, reducing its burning rate by 56% and increasing its limited oxygen index (LOI) by 36%. In addition, the polystyrene composite showed promising inhibition for bacterial growth exhibited .…”

“…Green and multifunctional FRs were extensively investigated to replace traditional FRs. − For example, porous carbon sheets were derived from plum stones and decorated with SnO 2 microspheres; the hybrid filler was added into polystyrene, reducing its burning rate by 56% and increasing its limited oxygen index (LOI) by 36%. In addition, the polystyrene composite showed promising inhibition for bacterial growth exhibited . Nanomaterials proved to be an effective approach for enhancing the physical properties (such as thermal and electrical conductivity) and mechanical performance of polymeric materials at low-volume fractions. − Recently, they are also investigated as FRs for polymers in conjunction with traditional FRs where synergistic effect between the two additives was often reported. − Most of the traditional FRs work in the gas phase, while nanomaterials suppress the flammability of a polymer in the solid phase.…”

Composite Flame Retardants Based on Conjugated Microporous Polymer Hollow Nanospheres with Excellent Flame Retardancy

“…Although organic flame-retardant materials have the advantages of high specific surface area, good adsorption performance, and good thermal stability, , some problems, such as poor nonaging resistance, large deformation coefficient, and easy combustion limited their usage in many areas. To make the materials with both flame retardant and thermal insulation, nanoadditives such as graphene sheets and carbon sheets can be introduced . For example, Liu et al synthesized dimelamine pyrophosphate from melamine and sodium pyrophosphate and introduced it to EP.…”

“…To make the materials with both flame retardant and thermal insulation, nanoadditives such as graphene sheets 31 and carbon sheets 32 can be introduced. 33 For example, Liu et al 34 synthesized dimelamine pyrophosphate from melamine and sodium pyrophosphate and introduced it to EP. During combustion, the dense carbon layer that can be developed during the combustion process, along with the nonflammable gases released, significantly enhances the flame-retardant capability.…”