The NANOFEU project: Objectives and tools

Abstract

The NANOFEU project supported by the French Research Agency (ANR) aims to characterise the fire behaviour of nanoparticles filled polymer materials. Day after day, new applications of nanoparticles appear in industry. Among multiple applications in various domains, the role played by nanostructures particularly in combustion and flame retardancy phenomena needs to be quantified by modelling, experimental and numerical validations, since the use of these new components is increasing to upgrade polymer performances. Their employment could represent nowadays a valuable alternative or could be used in synergy with the conventional flame retardants systems. Nanocomposites based on several categories of polymers will be designed, incorporating suitable nanoparticles. Multiscale modelling of material, investigation of thermal degradation processes, and influence of interfacial modifications of nanoparticles, characterisation of effluents, particles released (size and morphology) and smoke toxicity will be made, developing original experimental and numerical means. We will particularly focus on fire performance, smoke toxicity and morphological modification of particles in the effluents, to weight the various impacts of the introduction of these nanofillers. A traceability of nanoparticles affected by combustion will be done through the analysis of effluents. In a first part, this paper includes a detailed presentation of the project by clarifying the partners' roles and objectives expected at the end of the project. In a second part, the foreseen experimental and numerical tools will be developed in order to improve the knowledge of mechanisms involved in combustion.

Influence of carbon nanotubes on fire behaviour and aerosol emitted during combustion of thermoplastics

“…The NANOFEU project focuses on the specific impact of nanofillers upon the smoke composition (gases and aerosols), by comparing polymers alone, polymers containing nanofillers, and polymers containing both nanofillers and flame retardants. Another issue addressed is the evaluation of the morphological modifications of ultrafine particles produced during the combustion of such materials for health hazard . The consortium gathers experts in the following fields: fire sciences, physical and macromolecular chemistry, and numerical modelling.…”

Gaseous effluents from the combustion of nanocomposites in controlled-ventilation conditions

“…One favorite field of application of these nanomaterials is fire retardancy and fire behavior of nanocomposites. In the context of the ANR research project NanoFeu, various technical analyses have been performed [1]. One focuses on the characterization of the dispersion of nanofillers in the matrix; another deals with the characterization of the fire behavior of samples including the study of the composition of the gaseous effluents, the characterization of the emitted soot [2].…”