Article
Polymer Science
Ghane Moradkhani, Mohammad Fasihi, Loic Brison, Fouad Laoutid, Henri Vahabi, Mohammad Reza Saeb
Summary: The modification of graphite nanoplatelets with ammonium polyphosphate effectively enhances the flame retardant properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) compared to using a physical mixture of the two components. The modified sample showed significant improvements in flame retardancy, with a 57% decrease in peak heat release rate (pHRR) and a 35% reduction in total heat release (THR) compared to the physical mixture.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Xiaochen Dong, Xuefan Yang, Sen Wang, Kang Wang, Yunqi Zhang, Jichun Liu, Haibo Chang
Summary: Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) was modified with expandable graphite (EG) and polyphosphoric acid (PPA) in melt state. The resulting EVA/EG/PPA composite exhibited improved fire retardancy, thermal stability, processability, and reduced smoke and toxic gas releases. The combination of EG and PPA showed high flame retardant efficiency, with a low loading of 10 wt% achieving a V-0 rating in UL-94 test. The composite also displayed good water resistance and acceptable mechanical property.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Siyuan Li, Chunfeng Wang, Guodong Wang, Yongliang Wang, Zhidong Han
Summary: By modifying MH with PCS and DVB, the flame retardant properties and thermal stability can be significantly improved. The EVA/MH/PCS/DVB composite exhibits higher limiting oxygen index, reduced smoke production, and a more compact and robust residual char layer.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Olina ohrn, Kesavarao Sykam, Sidique Gawusu, Rhoda Afriyie Mensah, Michael Forsth, Vigneshwaran Shanmugam, N. B. Karthik Babu, Gabriel Sas, Lin Jiang, Qiang Xu, Agoston Restas, Oisik Das
Summary: In this study, the effectiveness of a zinc oxide (ZnO) powder coating in improving the fire safety of wood exposed to radiative heat flux was examined. Two different amounts of ZnO (0.5 and 1 g ZnO per dm2) were applied to the wood surface and subjected to radiative heat. The results showed that applying ZnO significantly increased the ignition time of the wood, demonstrating a potential method to delay wood ignition and reduce flame spread.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Xin-Chao Wang, Ya-Peng Sun, Jie Sheng, Tie Geng, Lih-Sheng Turng, Yong-Gang Guo, Xian-Hu Liu, Chun-Tai Liu
Summary: This study incorporated expansible graphite (EG) as a flame retardant into polyurethane foams (PUFs) to improve their fire resistance. The addition of EG reduced bubble size and increased mass density in PUFs, while maintaining their functional group structures. Such addition also enhanced thermal stability and flame retardancy without significantly compromising compression strength. These findings provide useful guidelines for the industrial production and applications of PUFs.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Gopika Venu, Jitha S. Jayan, Appukuttan Saritha, Kuruvilla Joseph
Summary: Biobased epoxies are gaining interest as potential substitutes for commercial resins, with properties comparable to those of commercial resins. However, their low flame retardancy limits their utility in certain applications. Current research focuses on addressing these issues and classifying different flame retardants for biobased epoxies.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Stefano Scurti, Jacopo Ortolani, Alberto Ghirri, Emanuele Maccaferri, Daniele Caretti, Laura Mazzocchetti
Summary: Phosphorylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PPVA) is synthesized and used as an intumescent flame inhibitor coating for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. The PPVAs exhibit excellent fire resistance properties, reducing the flame time by up to 58%. In contrast, poly(vinyl alcohol) coatings worsen the overall fire behavior of the material, highlighting the crucial role of phosphorous in reducing flammability.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Kesiya George, Smita Mohanty, Manoranjan Biswal, Sanjay K. Nayak
Summary: The study investigates the impact of different flame retardants on the performance of EPDM/KF rubber composites, showing that the combination of ZB and APP enhances the flame retardant properties and thermal stability of the composites.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ling-Li Jiao, Peng-Cheng Zhao, Zhi-Qi Liu, Qing-Shan Wu, Dong-Qiang Yan, Yi-Lan Li, Yu-Nan Chen, Ji-Sheng Li
Summary: In this study, hydromagnesite was used to synthesize magnesium hydroxide as a flame retardant for EVA. The introduction of magnesium hydroxide significantly improved the flame retardant properties and smoke suppression of the composites. The incorporation of different concentrations of sodium hydroxide had limited effect on the mechanical properties of the composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawei Jiang, Ruifeng Guo, Haifeng Shen, Shiya Ran
Summary: A phosphorous-containing flame retardant EHPP was successfully synthesized and introduced to EVA copolymer to improve its flame retardant performance. The addition of EHPP effectively reduced peak heat release rate and increased LOI value, showing promising flame retardant properties in EVA.
Article
Polymer Science
Arne Wolpers, Florian Baffie, Vincent Monteil, Franck D'Agosto
Summary: In this study, a dithiocarbamate chain transfer agent was used to synthesize statistical and diblock copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, achieving various polymer compositions through good chain growth control, including linear diblock copolymers and a three-arm star copolymer.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Haowen Sun, Kexuan Chen, Yuan Liu, Qi Wang
Summary: The flame retardant EVA composites were prepared by melt blending ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer with expandable graphite (EG), pyrophosphate piperazine (PAPP), and melamine polyphosphate (MPP). The optimal flame retardant effect was achieved with a PAPP/EG/MPP mixture of 2:2:1 mass ratio. EVA composites with an additive amount of 25 wt% reached UL-94 V-0 level (1.6 mm) and had a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 35.2%. The incorporation of PAPP, EG, and MPP significantly reduced the heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release of the composites.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tiefeng Zhang, Chunfeng Wang, Yongliang Wang, Lijun Qian, Zhidong Han
Summary: In ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer composites, the synergistic effect between polycarbosilane and magnesium hydroxide significantly improves flame-retardant properties while forming a cohesive and compact char layer.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siyi Xu, Jianxi Li, Qunfeng Ye, Liguo Shen, Hongjun Lin
Summary: This study proposed a strategy to combine aluminum hydroxide and melamine cyanurate with ethylene vinyl acetate to prepare EVA composite materials with high flame resistance. The addition of melamine cyanurate improved the thermal stability and flame resistance of EVA, with the optimal EVA-60-40 composition displaying the best fire resistance.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yiming Guo, Jichun Liu, Jie Luo, Hongyu Liu, Shuge Peng
Summary: By adding nano-sized carbon black and magnesium hydroxide, this study significantly improved the thermal stability and flame-retardant performance of EVA composite. The introduction of carbon black effectively prevented thermo-oxidative degradation and increased flame-retardant efficiency. This work provides a simple and cost-effective method for the wire and cable industry.
FIRE AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Benjamin A. Suslick, Julie Hemmer, Brecklyn R. Groce, Katherine J. Stawiasz, Philippe H. Geubelle, Giulio Malucelli, Alberto Mariani, Jeffrey S. Moore, John A. Pojman, Nancy R. Sottos
Summary: Most thermoplastics and thermoset polymeric materials are synthesized and processed using energy-inefficient and environmentally burdensome methods. Frontal polymerization provides an attractive and scalable alternative by utilizing the usually wasted polymerization heat. Only an initial thermal or photo stimulus is needed for frontal polymerization, which locally ignites the reaction and leads to a self-perpetuating reaction zone. The choice of monomer, initiator/catalyst, and additives determines the speed and maximum temperature of the polymer front, and there are various applications for frontally generated materials.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Alberto Mariani, Giulio Malucelli
Summary: In polymer systems, induction heating is the result of exposing selected polymer composites with conducting or ferromagnetic fillers to an alternating electromagnetic field. This interaction creates magnetic polarization effects or eddy currents, leading to heating of the material. The heat generated can be utilized in various applications, such as curing thermosetting systems, welding thermoplastics, and processing temperature-sensitive materials. This review aims to summarize the current state-of-the-art of induction heating processes for polymers, discussing limitations, challenges, and potential developments.
Article
Polymer Science
Raphael Palucci Rosa, Giuseppe Rosace, Rossella Arrigo, Giulio Malucelli
Summary: The use of plant-based monomers for additive manufacturing is a promising way to reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics. In this study, acrylate epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) was combined with isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) to develop a resin with comparable mechanical properties to fossil-based resins. FT-IR analysis showed conversions above 80% during the photopolymerization process, and curing tests demonstrated that the biobased resin required less energy to cure. The parts fabricated using the biobased resin showed enhanced tensile strength, tunable elongation at break, and swelling resistance, making it a valuable alternative to traditional resins for stereolithographic applications.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Alberto Mariani, Giulio Malucelli
Summary: Historic stone buildings and monuments deteriorate gradually due to environmental impact, biological or mechanical deterioration, and inadequate maintenance. Environmental issues like water infiltration, freezing and thawing, acid rain, and vandalism strongly impact cultural heritage and should be prevented. Efforts should be made to protect or restore damaged stone substrates using effective consolidants. This work summarizes the current state-of-the-art in using monomeric/oligomeric or polymeric consolidants and provides perspectives for the future.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mattia Di Maro, Maria Giulia Faga, Riccardo Pedraza, Giulio Malucelli, Mattia Bartoli, Giovanna Gomez d'Ayala, Donatella Duraccio
Summary: This study investigates the combination of hemp-derived biochar and commercial humic acid as a potential flame-retardant system for ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The results show that the addition of biochar significantly improves the thermal stability of the copolymer, while the acidic nature of humic acid leads to degradation. Furthermore, the incorporation of biochar reduces heat release during combustion and prolongs burning time, while humic acid has little effect on combustion performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Donatella Duraccio, Pier Paolo Capra, Ambra Fioravanti, Giulio Malucelli
Summary: ZnO flower-like (ZFL) and needle (ZLN) structures were synthesized and embedded into UV-curable acrylic resin (EB) to study their effect on the piezoelectric properties of the resulting composite films. The composites showed uniform dispersion of fillers within the polymer matrix. Increasing filler loading caused an increase in glass transition temperature and a decrease in storage modulus in the glassy state.
Article
Polymer Science
Alessandro Beduini, Domenico Albanese, Federico Carosio, Amedea Manfredi, Elisabetta Ranucci, Paolo Ferruti, Jenny Alongi
Summary: A novel polyamidoamine with a disulfide group and phosphonate groups per repeat unit (M-PCASS) was synthesized and its flame retardant efficacy for cotton was investigated. The results showed that M-PCASS had better flame retardant performance than M-CYSS, with no afterglow in horizontal flame spread tests and afterglow suppression in vertical flame spread tests. In oxygen-consumption cone calorimetry tests, M-PCASS reduced heat release rate, CO2 emission, and smoke release of cotton, leaving a residue. These findings suggest that M-PCASS may be suitable for flame retardant applications requiring smoke suppression and reduction of total gas released.
Article
Polymer Science
Paolo Ferruti, Jenny Alongi, Emanuele Barabani, Amedea Manfredi, Elisabetta Ranucci
Summary: Polyamidoamine hydrogels were reinforced with raw silk fibers via covalent bonding between the amine groups in the lysine residues and the acrylamide terminals of the M-AGM oligomer. These membranes showed potential in purifying Cr(VI)-contaminated water to below 50 ppb. The use of renewable sources, environmentally friendly preparation process, and successful achievement of the goal meet eco-design requirements.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Aurelio Bifulco, Roberto Avolio, Sandro Lehner, Maria Emanuela Errico, Nigel J. Clayden, Robin Pauer, Sabyasachi Gaan, Giulio Malucelli, Antonio Aronne, Claudio Imparato
Summary: By chemically modifying epoxy matrix with reactive silicon and phosphorus precursors through a two-step green synthetic procedure, nanocomposites with intrinsic flame-retardant features can be obtained. These nanostructured hybrid materials exhibit organic and inorganic co-continuous phases, preventing dripping during vertical burning tests, forming a large amount of coherent char after combustion, and reducing the peak of heat release rate remarkably.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Claudio Imparato, Aurelio Bifulco, Giulio Malucelli, Antonio Aronne
Summary: Materials based on silicon-phosphorus mixed oxides have a wide range of applications, but their hydrolytic stability is low in wet environments. Sol-gel synthesis allows for the preparation of high-purity materials with a homogeneous distribution of components, but balancing hydrolytic stability with application requirements is necessary. The incorporation of metals can stabilize phosphorus and prevent leaching, while the formation of Si-P nanostructures is advantageous in polymer matrices. Si-P oxides have interesting application prospects in fuel cells, acid catalysis, and flame retardance.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Aurelio Bifulco, Angelo Casciello, Claudio Imparato, Stanislao Forte, Sabyasachi Gaan, Antonio Aronne, Giulio Malucelli
Summary: This work investigates the fire behavior of a sol-gel in-situ hybrid Mg(OH)2-epoxy nanocomposite and develops an artificial neural network-based system to predict its heat release capacity. The study shows that adding only 5 wt% of Mg(OH)2 to the nanocomposite significantly reduces the heat release capacity and smoke release, indicating the effectiveness of Mg(OH)2 as a smoke suppressant. The proposed machine learning approach offers a cost- and time-saving method for predicting the fire performances of flame retardant polymer-based nanocomposites.
Article
Polymer Science
Ilaria Roato, Tullio Genova, Donatella Duraccio, Federico Alessandro Ruffinatti, Diletta Zanin Venturini, Mattia Di Maro, Alessandro Mosca Balma, Riccardo Pedraza, Sara Petrillo, Giorgia Chinigo, Luca Munaron, Giulio Malucelli, Maria Giulia Faga, Federico Mussano
Summary: Mechanical and biological behaviors of PMMA/Al2O3 composites with different weight percentages of Al2O3 were characterized for implant-supported prostheses. Al2O3 particles increased the flexural modulus of PMMA, with the highest value achieved with 40 wt.% Al2O3. The flexural strength decreased due to filler aggregates and voids but remained satisfactory. Surface roughness and water contact angle influenced protein adsorption and cell adhesion. No cytotoxic effects were found, indicating biocompatibility and cell growth capabilities. Al2O3 guided tissue formation but did not enhance osteoconductive properties.
Review
Polymer Science
Alberto Mariani, Giulio Malucelli
Summary: Polymer hydrogels are highly versatile materials with applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Frontal polymerization (FP) has emerged as an alternative and efficient synthesis method for functional 3D networks.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Valentina Trovato, Silvia Sfameni, Rim Ben Debabis, Giulia Rando, Giuseppe Rosace, Giulio Malucelli, Maria Rosaria Plutino
Summary: In the past decade, inorganic fillers and sol-gel-based flame-retardant technologies have gained increasing research interest as alternatives to hazardous chemicals in textile coating. This review presents the current state of inorganic flame-retardant technology for cotton fabrics, focusing on their effect on flame-retardant properties and emphasizing their environmental friendliness compared to organic solutions.
Article
Polymer Science
Mustafa Kalay, Abidin Esidir, Mahmut Ruzi, N. Burak Kiremitler, Mustafa Serdar Onses
Summary: This study proposes stable and addressable polymer PUFs, utilizing a cross-linkable polymer system, which demonstrates high stochastic characteristics and low-cost production. The performance of the polymer features is evaluated through various analyses, and direct image authentication is achieved using feature matching algorithms.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jingyu Jin, Guoqiang Lu, Jun Nie, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: Photopolymerization technology is limited in the fields of food packaging and biomedicine due to the high migration of small molecules from photoinitiators. In this study, a polymerizable 2-vinyl thioxanthone (ETX) was synthesized to improve the migration stability of photoinitiators. Macromolecular photoinitiators (PPI1, PPI2) were also prepared to further reduce migration. The results showed that the ETX/TEOA system had higher initiation performance and PPI2 displayed favorable initiation ability. Additionally, the migration of ETX, PPI1, and PPI2 in photocured film was significantly reduced. These low-migration photoinitiators have potential applications in the fields of food packaging and biological materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Weijie Li, Jun Nie, Yingying Zhao, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: This study focuses on the development of high-performance, low-migration photoinitiators. A polymerizable photoinitiator (VBP) was synthesized by introducing an ethylene group into benzophenone, and three different molecular weight single-component photoinitiators (PVBN1-3) were synthesized based on VBP. The results show that these new photoinitiators have stronger absorption ability compared to benzophenone and significantly reduce the migration of initiators and co-initiators, addressing the safety concerns caused by migration.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Seira Morimune-Moriya, Yuki Iwahashi, Mitsuru Nakamura, Daisuke Ogawa, Keiji Nakamura
Summary: This study investigates the effect of plasma treatment on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the structure/properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites with ultra-low content of CNTs. The results show that plasma treatment introduces isocyanate groups on the surface of CNTs and enhances the interfacial interaction between PI and treated CNTs. This leads to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, with even a small addition of treated CNTs showing a substantial increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength and toughness.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanlong Li, Chaojie Chen, Guoqing Cui, Li Liu, Chao Zhou, Guangfeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel ion-conducting hydrogel was fabricated using a straightforward approach. The hydrogel showed excellent tensile properties and high toughness due to physical interactions and covalent binding. Additionally, the introduction of hydroxyethyl cellulose and lithium chloride improved the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and frost resistance of the hydrogel, demonstrating its potential for cold climate applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Dengwei Yan, Jinxian Yang, Xuejun Pan, Xiaozheng Duan, Lianwei Li, Mo Zhu
Summary: The influence of backbone length on grafting efficiency during the graft-onto reaction process was investigated. It was found that the polydispersity effect of backbone length does not affect the final grafting efficiency, indicating that the local dynamics of chain segments dominate the graft-onto process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyi Luo, Xianjie Pan, Fanqi Liu, Quanxi Yi, Yanning Zeng, Yunhua Chen, Chaoyang Wang
Summary: This study provides a method to prepare high-performance epoxy materials with good malleability and thermal stability. The materials have self-healing and welding capabilities, thanks to the addition of specific chemical bonds and network structures. They exhibit mechanical properties comparable to commercial epoxy resins and show great potential for sustainable industrial development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaoji Xiong, Hao Wang, Lihua Deng, Kun Liang, Chunhua Wu, Wei Wu, Qian Chen
Summary: In this study, four polyamides were synthesized and their adsorption performances for Hg2+ in aqueous systems were investigated. The polyamides exhibited high adsorption capacities and excellent reusability, with the involvement of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in the chemical adsorption process of Hg2+.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Siim Laanesoo, Olivier Bonjour, Rauno Sedrik, Iris Tamsalu, Patric Jannasch, Lauri Vares
Summary: The insertion of rigid aliphatic or aromatic building blocks in polymer structures is an effective way to synthesize high -Tg polymer materials. In this study, a series of isosorbide-2-aryl carboxylate-5-methacrylate monomers (ArIMAs) were synthesized by functionalizing isosorbide 5-methacrylate with various aromatic lignin-inspired esters. These monomers were polymerized to obtain high molecular-weight poly(aryl carboxylate isosorbide methacrylates) (PArIMAs). The resulting polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and thermal stability, making them suitable for use as high-performance plastics and coatings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuqian Wu, Weijie Xu, Jianliang Li, Zhangfeng Zhong, Liqing Huang, Shengke Li, Huaping Tan
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of degradation and drug release characteristics of dynamic Schiff base-mediated natural polysaccharide hydrogels using tannic acid (TA), leading to enhanced stability and functionality.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zhang, Xiangli Kong, Xin Zhou, Yiyan Gao, Yibo Sun, Guanghui Gao, Wei Liu, Kai Shi
Summary: Conductive hydrogels have great development prospects in flexible strain sensors, but long-term direct contact with human skin can cause bacterial infection. A hydrogel with antibacterial, biocompatibility, and toughness was designed and manufactured using a freeze-thaw method. The hydrogel maintains tensile properties and fatigue resistance at low temperatures and is resistant to bacteria. Therefore, hydrogel sensors can be used to monitor human movements.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Zhang, Jiangang Yu, Mingyang Wu, Rui Li, Anqiang Zhang, Yaling Lin
Summary: In this study, polyacrylamide containing quaternary ammonium salts (PAM-X) were synthesized and found to effectively inhibit soil-borne pathogenic fungi while maintaining the balance of microbial population in soil. PAM-X also showed low toxicity to earthworms and fish, providing a new method for the prevention and control of soil-borne fungal diseases.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawen He, Haojie Yu, Li Wang, Jian Yang, Yanhui Zhang, Wenbing Huang, Chenguang Ouyang
Summary: This review discusses the use of polymeric hydrogels for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), including the mechanism of water sorption, fabrication methods, and strategies for optimizing the structure of hydrogels. The extended applications of hygroscopic photothermal hydrogels, such as agricultural irrigation and dehumidification, are also explored. The challenges and prospects of using polymeric hydrogels for AWH are summarized.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Ying Du, Shuaishuai Lu, Yuanna Sun, Qingshan Li, Xinhai He
Summary: This study introduces a method to improve the performance of hydrogels by incorporating proline, resulting in hydrogels with excellent stretchability, high conductivity, and long-term stability. The hydrogel remains flexible and conductive even at ultra-low temperatures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
