1. Reduction of PVA Aerogel Flammability by Incorporation of an Alkaline Catalyst
- Author
-
David A. Schiraldi, Ting Wang, Molin Guo, Xiao-Yi Chen, Yu-Zhong Wang, and Zhihan Cheng
- Subjects
Vinyl alcohol ,Materials science ,Polymers and Plastics ,Base (chemistry) ,Science ,aerogel ,flammability ,alkali ,Bioengineering ,General. Including alchemy ,02 engineering and technology ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,Biomaterials ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,QD1-65 ,Char ,base ,QD1-999 ,Flammability ,char ,QD146-197 ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Communication ,Organic Chemistry ,Thermal decomposition ,Aerogel ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,0104 chemical sciences ,Chemistry ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,Sodium hydroxide ,0210 nano-technology ,Pyrolysis ,Inorganic chemistry - Abstract
Sodium hydroxide was used as a base catalyst to reduce the flammability of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aerogels. The base-modified aerogels exhibited significantly enhanced compressive moduli, likely resulting in decreased gallery spacing and increased numbers of “struts” in their structures. The onset of decomposition temperature decreased for the PVA aerogels in the presence of the base, which appears to hinder the polymer pyrolysis process, leading instead to the facile formation of dense char. Cone calorimetry testing showed a dramatic decrease in heat release when the base was added. The results indicate that an unexpected base-catalyzed dehydration occurs at fire temperatures, which is the opposite of the chemistry normally observed under typical synthesis conditions.
- Published
- 2021