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Expandable graphite (EG) was modified with a charring agent and organic–inorganic hybridized intumescent flame retardants (MEG) were synthesized. This study uses a cone calorimeter (CCT) and a DaqPRO 5300 radiation heat flow meter (Fourtec, Tel Aviv, Israel) to evaluate the fire-resistant properties influenced by MEG on intumescent fire-retardant coatings. The impact of MEG on the thermal degradation of these coatings was investigated through the use of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results obtained by CCT demonstrated that the incorporation of MEG markedly diminished the heat release rate and total heat release rate of the coating, in addition to enhancing the char residue compared to coatings with only expandable graphite (EG). Furthermore, TGA results demonstrate that adding MEG increases the weight of the char residue at elevated temperatures, suggesting improved thermal stability. Based on these findings, MEG exhibits a synergistic flame-retardant effect when combined with intumescent fire-retardant (IFR) systems. This synergy not only improves the flame-retardant properties of the coatings but also enhances their overall thermal stability, making MEG a promising additive for developing more efficient fire-retardant materials. Thus, MEG-modified coatings offer superior protection against fire hazards, highlighting their potential for practical applications in fire safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to use transcriptomics for toxicity testing have classically relied on the assumption that chemicals consistently produce characteristic transcriptomic signatures that are reflective of their mechanism of action. However, the degree to which transcriptomic responses are conserved across different test methodologies has seldom been explored. With increasing regulatory demand for New Approach Methods (NAMs) that use alternatives to animal models and high‐content approaches such as transcriptomics, this type of comparative analysis is needed. We examined whether common genes are dysregulated in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) liver following sublethal exposure to the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), when life stage and test methodologies differ. The four exposure scenarios included one NAM: Study 1—early‐life stage (ELS) exposure via a single egg injection, and three more traditional approaches; Study 2—adult exposure using a single oral gavage; Study 3—ELS exposure via maternal deposition after adults were exposed through their diet for 7 weeks; and Study 4—ELS exposure via maternal deposition and re‐exposure of nestlings through their diet for 17 weeks. The total number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected in each study was variable (Study 1, 550; Study 2, 192; Study 3, 1; Study 4, 3) with only 19 DEGs shared between Studies 1 and 2. Factors contributing to this lack of concordance are discussed and include differences in dose, but also quail strain, exposure route, sampling time, and HBCD stereoisomer composition. The results provide a detailed overview of the transcriptomic responses to HBCD at different life stages and routes of exposure in a model avian species and highlight certain challenges and limits of comparing transcriptomics across different test methodologies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1–11. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFrom the past to the present, many chemicals have been used for the purpose of flame retardant. Due to PBDEs’ (Polybrominated diphenyl ether) lipophilic and accumulative properties, some of them are banned from the market. As an alternative to these chemicals, OPFRs (organophosphorus flame retardants) have started to be used as flame retardants. In this article, acute toxicity profiles, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, blood-brain barrier permeability, ecotoxicity and nutritional toxicity as also AHR, ER affinity and MMP, aromatase affinity, CYP2C9, CYP3A4 interaction of the of 16 different compounds of the OPFRs were investigated using a computational toxicology method; ProTox- 3.0. According to our results, eight compounds were found to be active in terms of carcinogenic effect, whereas two compounds were found to be active for mutagenicity. On the other hand, all compounds were found to be active in terms of blood-barrier permeability. Fourteen compounds and four compounds are found to have ecotoxic and nutritional toxic potency, respectively. Eight compounds were determined as active to AhR, and four chemicals were found to be active in Estrogen Receptor alpha. Eight chemicals were found to be active in terms of mitochondrial membrane potency. Lastly, three chemicals were found to be active in aromatase enzymes. In terms of CYP interaction potencies, eight compounds were found to be active in both CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. This research provided novel insights into the potential toxic effects of OPFRs. However, further studies are needed to evaluate their toxicity. Moreover, these findings lay the groundwork for in vitro and in vivo toxicity research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legacy brominated flame retardants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been classified as persistent organic pollutants and replaced with novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs). The octanol–water partition coefficients (log KOW) of NBFRs have been computationally estimated, but the log KOW values provided by these methods can differ by 1 to 3 orders of magnitude. Given the importance of this parameter in fate and toxicity models, we indirectly measured the log KOW values of eight NBFRs by their capacity factor (k′) on a reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) C18 column by isocratic elution and compared these measured values with those estimated by nine computational models. Log KOW values were obtained for the NBFRs 1,2‐bis(2,4,6‐tribromophenoxy) ethane, pentabromobenzene, pentabromoethylbenzene, pentabromotoluene, 2‐ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5‐tetrabromobenzoate, allyl 2,4,6‐tribromophenylether, 2,3‐dibromopropyl‐2,4,6‐tribromophenyl ether, and bis(2‐ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate. A training set of phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, PBDEs, and halogenated benzenes were chosen to obtain the log k′–log KOW calibration for the NBFRs. The computational models KowWIN, XLogP3, EAS‐E Suite, COSMOtherm, DirectML, and Abraham polyparameter linear free energy relationships all predicted the log KOW values of the calibration compounds to within 1 order of magnitude without significant bias. The median of these models predicted log KOW values for the calibration compounds that were close to those known in the literature with root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.224 and for the NBFRs that were close to those measured by HPLC (RMSE = 0.334). Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1–10. © 2024 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced epoxy resin (EP) composites are lightweight materials with excellent comprehensive performance. However, the flammability of EP and the poor interfacial bonding between CF and EP are two key disadvantages that limit their further applications. Here, a kind of water‐soluble lignin‐based CF sizing agent (ELBEDK) is prepared through hydrophilic modification of enzymatic lignin, which can significantly enhance the interfacial interaction between CF and EP. Additionally, a highly efficient intumescent flame retardant (LMA) is prepared. The EP, enzymatic lignin, LMA and CF sized ELBEDK are compounded to obtain the fire‐safety CF reinforced composites (SCF/FEP/L). The flame retardancy of SCF/FEP/L with 7% LMA (SCF/FEP7) reached V‐0 rating. Moreover, SCF/FEP/L with 7% LMA and 15% lignin (SCF/FEP7/L15) present an limiting oxygen index (LOI)of 30.2% and V‐0 of UL‐94. Specifically, the total smoke production and the heat release rate are 47.8% and 46.81% lower than that of SCF/EP, respectively, indicating the improved smoke suppression and flame retardancy. The IFSS and flexural strength of SCF/FEP7/L15 are improved to be 59.4 MPa and 511.1 MPa, respectively. This study presents a simple approach to fabricate low‐cost high performance lignin‐based flame retardant CF/EP biocomposites with wide application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the predominant energy storage power source. However, the urgent issues of enhancing electrochemical performance, prolonging lifetime, preventing thermal runaway‐caused fires, and intelligent application are obstacles to their applications. Herein, bio‐inspired electrodes owning spatiotemporal management of self‐healing, fast ion transport, fire‐extinguishing, thermoresponsive switching, recycling, and flexibility are overviewed comprehensively, showing great promising potentials in practical application due to the significantly enhanced durability and thermal safety of LIBs. Taking advantage of the self‐healing core–shell structures, binders, capsules, or liquid metal alloys, these electrodes can maintain the mechanical integrity during the lithiation–delithiation cycling. After the incorporation of fire‐extinguishing binders, current collectors, or capsules, flame retardants can be released spatiotemporally during thermal runaway to ensure safety. Thermoresponsive switching electrodes are also constructed though adding thermally responsive components, which can rapidly switch LIB off under abnormal conditions and resume their functions quickly when normal operating conditions return. Finally, the challenges of bio‐inspired electrode designs are presented to optimize the spatiotemporal management of LIBs. It is anticipated that the proposed electrodes with spatiotemporal management will not only promote industrial application, but also strengthen the fundamental research of bionics in energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain an efficient flame retardant and smoke suppressor without sacrificing mechanical properties of epoxy resin (EP). A cyano group‐containing 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) derivative (CP‐DOPO) was proposed and synthesized through one‐step Atherton–Todd reaction between DOPO and 4‐cyanophenol. The comprehensive performance analysis of CP‐DOPO‐based EP composite was conducted by measuring the flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and mechanical properties. The flame‐retardant test findings shows that the EP/4CP‐DOPO sample achieves UL‐94 V‐0 rating with 4 wt% low addition of CP‐DOPO. Moreover, EP/6CP‐DOPO sample presents a LOI of 36.5%, a 28.1% reduction in the peak heat release rate, and a 42.1% substantial decrease in total smoke production, demonstrating its desirable flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties. Significantly, different from the traditionally additive flame retardants, the mechanical properties of EP matrix will not be affected by the incorporation of CP‐DOPO but a 17.7% increasement of flexural properties compared to EP. This research not only provides an ingenious strategy for designing and preparing high‐effective flame retardant but also enhances the comprehensive performance of EP resins in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bio-based flame retardant nickel phytate (PA-Ni) was synthesized and combined with soybean oil-based polyol (SO) to create a green rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) with enhanced compressive strength, good thermal stability and flame retardant. The results showed that the RPUF-SO2/Ni3 with 3 wt% PA-Ni had the highest initial and termination temperature, maximum thermal decomposition rate temperature and carbon residue, and better thermal stability. Its limiting oxygen index was increased by 2.6% compared with RPUF-SO2 without PA-Ni added, and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release rate (THR) were reduced by 14.92% and 19.92%, respectively. In addition, RPUF-SO2/Ni3 had the lowest Ds under the conditions of flame (18.90) and flameless (22.41), and had the best smoke suppression effect. And the compressive strength of RPUF-SO/Ni3 was significantly enhanced by the addition of PA-Ni. The results show that the improvement of flame retardancy of RPUF is mainly the result of the combined effect of gas-phase and condensed-phase flame retardancy, among which the flame retardancy of RPUF-SO/Ni3 was the best. The current findings offer a practical way to produce green and low-carbon RPUF as well as promising prospects for the material's safe application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advantages of lightweight and low thermal conductivity properties, polymeric foams are widely employed as thermal insulation materials for energy‐saving buildings but suffer from inherent flammability. Flame‐retardant coatings hold great promise for improving the fire safety of these foams without deteriorating the mechanical‐physical properties of the foam. In this work, four kinds of sulfur‐based flame‐retardant copolymers are synthesized via a facile radical copolymerization. The sulfur‐containing monomers serve as flame‐retardant agents including vinyl sulfonic acid sodium (SPS), ethylene sulfonic acid sodium (VS), and sodium p‐styrene sulfonate (VSS). Additionally, 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and 4‐hydroxybutyl acrylate are employed to enable a strong interface adhesion with polymeric foams through interfacial H‐bonding. By using as‐synthesized waterborne flame‐retardant polymeric coating with a thickness of 600 µm, the coated polyurethane foam (PUF) can achieve a desired V‐0 rating during the vertical burning test with a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) of >31.5 vol%. By comparing these sulfur‐containing polymeric fire‐retardant coatings, poly(VS‐co‐HEA) coated PUF demonstrates the best interface adhesion capability and flame‐retardant performance, with the lowest peak heat release rate of 166 kW m−2 and the highest LOI of 36.4 vol%. This work provides new avenues for the design and performance optimization of advanced fire‐retardant polymeric coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the effect of UV-C radiation on two types of cured polymer resins, epoxy and polyester, intended for use in disinfection chambers. The exposure of the samples to UV-C rays lasted 168 h. Our evaluation covered two aspects: the effect of UV-C rays on the flammability and flame retardancy of the resins, and the effect of UV-C rays on the adhesion of the resins to the steel substrate. It was found that the applied halogen and halogen-free organophosphate agents can be used for the tested resins under UV-C conditions (e.g. disinfection chambers), and no negative impact of UV-C radiation on the performance of these flame retardants was found. The use of the tested types of resins in the form of thin coatings on a steel substrate is feasible in disinfection chambers under UV-C radiation conditions, as the obtained results indicate that the radiation did not affect the adhesion of the coating. The visible effect of UV-C radiation on both the tested resins was discoloration, giving yellow and brown colors. Our results suggest that further studies, probably involving longer UV-C exposure, would be advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to investigate the influence of calcium phosphinate (HPCA) and aluminum phosphinate (HPAL) in synergistic systems with organophosphorus compounds, i.e., diphenylcresyl phosphate (CDP) and trichloropropyl phosphate (TCPP), on the thermal stability, flammability, smoke density, and emission of toxic gases during the thermal decomposition of polyurethane (PUR) foams. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), along with cone calorimetry and microcalorimetry, were used to assess the influence of fillers on the thermal stability and flammability of PUR foams. The analysis of toxic gas products was performed with the use of a coupled TG–gas analyzer system. The optical density of gases was measured with the use of a smoke density chamber (SDC). The obtained results showed an increase in thermal stability and a decrease in the flammability of the PUR composites. However, the results regarding smoke and gas emissions, as well as toxic combustion by-products, present ambiguity. On one hand, the applied flame retardant systems in the form of PUR-HPCA-CDP and PUR-HPCA-TCPP led to a reduction in the concentration of CO and HCN in the gas by-products. On the other hand, they clearly increased the concentration of CO2, NOx, and smoke emissions. Microbiological studies indicated that the obtained foam material is completely safe for use and does not exhibit biocidal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass has been widely used due to its environmental friendliness, sustainability, and low toxicity. In this study, aminophosphorylated cellulose (PNC), a biomass flame retardant containing phosphorus and nitrogen, was synthesized by esterification from cellulose and introduced into polyurethane to prepare flame-retardant rigid polyurethane foam. The combustion properties of the PU and PU/PNC composites were studied using the limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, and cone calorimeter (CCT) methods. The thermal degradation behavior of the PU and PU/PNC composites was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermogravimetric infrared spectroscopy (TG-IR). The char layer after combustion was characterized using SEM, Raman, and XPS. The experimental results showed that the introduction of PNC significantly improved the flame-retardant effect and safety of PU/PNC composites. Adding 15 wt% PNC to PU resulted in a vertical burning grade of V-0 and a limiting oxygen index of 23.5%. Compared to the pure sample, the residual char content of PU/PNC15 in a nitrogen atmosphere increased by 181%, and the total heat release (THR) decreased by 56.3%. A Raman analysis of the char layer after CCT combustion revealed that the ID/IG ratio of PU/PNC15 decreased from 4.11 to 3.61, indicating that the flame retardant could increase the stability of the char layer. The TG-IR results showed that PNC diluted the concentration of O2 and combustible gases by releasing inert gases such as CO2. These findings suggest that the developed PU/PNC composites have significant potential for real-world applications, particularly in industries requiring enhanced fire safety, such as construction, transportation, and electronics. The use of PNC provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame retardants. This research paves the way for the development of safer, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly fire-resistant materials for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) possess remarkable structures and properties, including a honeycomb-like wrinkled morphology and a tunable direct band gap. These attributes make BPNSs highly promising for biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery. Nonetheless, employing BPNSs in drug delivery encounters challenges related to biosafety, stability, and efficiency—common hurdles faced by novel drug delivery systems (DDS). This review offers an inclusive perspective on very recent progress of BPNSs' potential in drug delivery, emphasizing strategies to enhance their biosafety, stability, and efficiency. The surface passivation or modification could enhance the stability of BPNSs, but modified BPNSs-based DDS can potentially encounter challenges related to both biosafety and efficacy. The review offers a glimpse into these challenges. Finally, the present critical issues, challenges, and perspectives in terms of scaling-up of manufacturing processes, comprehending interactions between BPNSs and biological entities, and deciphering the fundamental mechanisms are covered here. An in-depth understanding of these aspects, especially the BPNSs-bio-interactions, is of great importance for the design and safety application of black phosphorus in future controlled drug release and disease treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquatic ecotoxicity of three α-amino acid-derived polyamidoamines (PAAs) was studied using zebrafish embryos as a viable vertebrate model organism. The PAAs examined were water-soluble amphoteric polyelectrolytes with a primarily negative charge, which were efficient flame retardants for cotton. The fish embryo acute toxicity test performed with PAA water solutions using 1.5–500 mg L−1 concentrations showed that toxicity did not statistically differ from the control. The survival rates were indeed >90%, even at the highest concentration; the hatching rates were >80%; and the numbers of morphological defects were comparable to those of the control. Tests using transgenic zebrafish lines indicated that the numbers of microscopic vascular and musculoskeletal defects were comparable to the control, with one random concentration showing doubled alterations. Sensory–motor tests in response to visual and tactile stimuli were also performed. In the presence of PAAs, embryos exposed to alternating light/dark cycles showed an insignificant mobility reduction during the dark phase. Touch-evoked response tests revealed a mild effect of PAAs on the neuromotor system at concentrations > 10 mg L−1. The cystine/glycine copolymer at 100 mg L−1 exhibited the greatest effect. Overall, the studied PAAs showed a minimal impact on aquatic systems and should be further considered as promising ecofriendly materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global commitment to carbon neutrality has propelled a heightened focus on sustainable construction materials, with wood emerging as pivotal due to its environmental benefits. This review explores the development and application of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings to enhance wood's fire resistance, addressing a critical limitation in its widespread adoption. These nanocomposites demonstrate improved thermal stability and char formation properties by integrating nanoparticles, such as nano-clays, graphene oxide, and metal oxides, into biopolymer matrices. This significantly mitigates the flammability of wood substrates, creating a robust barrier against heat and oxygen. The review provides a comprehensive examination of these advanced coatings' synthesis, characterization, and performance. By emphasizing recent innovations and outlining future research directions, this review underscores the potential of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings as next-generation fire retardants. This advancement supports the expanded utilization of wood in sustainable construction practices and aligns with global initiatives toward achieving carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer has shown great application prospects in the fields of polymer film due to its outstanding tensile properties, high elasticity, wear resistance, oil resistance, low temperature resistance, wide range of hardness, and other properties. However, its flammable properties greatly limit its application in the field of polymer film. The self-made GO was used as a carbon source, phenylboronic acid as an acid source, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as an acid and gas source, and intumescent flame retardant (IFR) was compounded. The IFR was introduced into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to prepare a series of IFR/TPU composite films with different formulations. The results show that PA and GO can make up for the loss of mechanical properties caused by the addition of APP and improve the thermal stability of the composite film, and the IFR flame retardant composed of the two and APP can effectively improve the flame retardancy of the composite film. When the additions of APP, PA, and GO were 10, 3, and 0.75%, respectively, the LOI value of the IFR/TPU composite material reached 29.5, the flame-retardant grade reached V-0, and its peak heat release rate, total heat release, peak smoke production rate, and total smoke release were 86.0, 64.9, 70.5, and 21.7%, greatly lower than pure TPU, respectively. The flame retardancy of the spacer composite membrane constructed from Ti-7 was significantly improved, and the burn-through time of the single-layer film sample was increased by 2.22 times, and the double-layer film sample was increased by 2.63 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative and cost-effective paper sheets with superior fire safety and reinforcement properties have been developed. The paper sheets were fabricated via valorization of agricultural waste to paper and then coated with nanoparticles. Paper attained from rice straw was used to create the sheets. Afterward, bentonite sheets were incorporated in these sheets, and finally, PbO nanoparticles were coated on prepared paper nanocomposites. The mass ratio of bentonite sheets was altered. The flammability and mechanical properties of the developed paper nanocomposites were studied. The flame retardancy of developed paper nanocomposite was significantly improved achieving LOI value of 24% compared to 20% for bentonite and PbO nanoparticle-free sample. Additionally, the tensile strength was improved recording 44% enhancement compared to unmodified sample. Furthermore, the flame retardancy mechanism was proposed and studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the burn-through resistance and environmental friendliness of epoxy resin-based flame-retardant coatings, high-performance coatings were developed by modifying them with silicone resin and B 4 C. By incorporating B 4 C and silicone resin, the coating's thermal stability was significantly enhanced. By participating in a series of chemical reactions when the coating was exposed to fire, they promoted spontaneous ceramicized and vitrified modification, increased the mass of char residue, improved the surface compactness, optimized the foam structure, and improved the specific surface area of char residue. Compared to blank sample E10S0 and others, E85S15B3 coating co-modified with silicone resin and B 4 C showed the best performance. The backside temperature of E85S15B3 was only 164.34 °C after a 2 h combustion test. The peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release rate (THR), total smoke production (TSP), peak smoke production rate (PSPR), peak CO release rate (PCOPR), and peak CO 2 release rate (PCO 2 PR) of E85S15B3 were all significantly improved, with a decrease of 20.38 %, 40.06 %, 37.67 %, 49.21 %, 64.71 %, 0.03 % compared with that of E10S0 sample. The LOI value was 34.6 %, which was 48.24 % better than that of E10S0. Moreover, the compressive, tensile, and bending strengths of E85S15B3 were measured at 85.6 MPa, 25.6 MPa, and 45.3 MPa, respectively, marking a 22.1 % increase, 11.23 % increase, and 23.19 % increase over those of E10S0. The mechanism of flame-retardant includes cooling insulation, non-flammable gas-phase dilution flame retardancy, condensed phase physical insulation, reinforced-phase flame retardancy, and free radicals capturing to block combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) foam, while intrinsically flame retardant, necessitates further refinement to meet stringent fire safety standards, particularly in terms of heat release rate and thermal stability. In this study, an innovative approach was adopted wherein an inorganic substance, potassium water glass (WG), was employed to create an encapsulation layer on the surface of the MF foam structure via a straightforward dip‐coating technique. The composite foam underwent a comprehensive analysis of its structure and flame retardant characteristics, using test evaluations such as micro‐scale combustion calorimeter (MCC) testing, cone calorimeter testing (CCT), and thermogravimetric‐Fourier infrared spectrometer (TG‐IR) assessments. It was found that the even coating of WG on the MF foam surface profoundly enhanced the foam's structural integrity. Utilizing the shielding properties of this inorganic layer, the hybrid foam's thermal stability experiences a remarkable augmentation. The peak of heat release rate (pHRR) and the total heat release rate (THR) of the MF foam experienced an impressive reduction of 85.2% and 78.8%, correspondingly. Notably, this advancement is concomitant with a substantial decrease of 39.2% in the total smoke release (TSR) and a notable amelioration in mechanical characteristics. Such developments undeniably broaden their application horizons across diverse domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-based materials as flame retardants meet the requirements of green strategy and sustainable development. Here nitrogen and phosphorus-modified bio-based cellulose nanocrystal composite (NPCNCs) were designed and added to epoxy resin (EP) to determine fire safety and mechanical properties. NPCNCs were successfully synthesized using ice bath polymerization and exhibited a fibrous appearance with rough surface. When corresponding into EP, NPCNCs endowed EP composite with excellent flame retardancy. For EP/6NPCNCs, the LOI value was 27.6% which was higher than that of pure EP (23.5%). Compared with pure EP, the total heat release, peak heat release rate, total smoke production and peak smoke production rate values of EP/6NPCNCs decreased by 27.27%, 43.34%, 70.21% and 66.67%. This was attributed to catalysis-dehydration and carbonization, carbon support of cellulose nanocrystals and gas phase dilution. In addition, the flame retardant EP composite mechanical properties were basically maintained compared with the pure EP. This article will provide a new way for the design bio-based P and N-modified flame retardants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame retardants are commonly used to reduce fire risk in various products and environments, including textiles. While many of these additives contain harmful substances, efforts are underway to reduce their usage. Current research aims to minimize flame-retardant quantities and enhance durability against external factors. This involves utilizing anchor peptides or material-binding peptides (MBPs), which are versatile molecules that bind strongly to surfaces like textiles. MBPs can be equipped with functional molecules, e.g., flame-retardant additives, by chemical or enzymatic bioconjugation. In this research, biohybrid flame retardants and an adapted finishing process are developed. Specifically, biobased adhesion promoters, the so-called MBPs, are used to finish textiles with flame-retardant additives. To date, there is no finishing process for treating textiles with MBPs and so a laboratory-scale finishing process based on foulard was developed. Necessary parameters, such as the take-off speed or the contact pressure of the squeezing rollers, are determined experimentally. In order to develop an adapted finishing process, various trials are designed and carried out. Part of the trials is the testing and comparison of different textiles (e.g., glass woven fabrics and aramid woven fabrics) under different conditions (e.g., different ratios of MBPs and flame retardants). The finished textiles are then analysed and validated regarding their flammability and the amount of adhered flame retardants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various fire‐retardants (FRs) known, phosphorus is vital to the development of effective FRs due to its flexibility. Additionally, the additives and combinations of phosphorus with various multicomponent moieties (e. g. P−Si, P−P, P−B, etc.) can serve the purpose in different phases to improve flame retardance properties. With an increased cognizance of recyclable, eco‐friendly, and bio‐based materials, phosphine oxide‐based materials/coatings can fulfill the criteria for flawless and future FRs. In this regard, the present review highlights the most promising organophosphorus‐based compositions as non‐intrusive FRs. The classification, synthetic methods, related mechanisms, and high‐end FR applications of various recently developed organophosphorus‐based molecules and materials are demonstrated. Among various organophosphorus compounds, the phosphorus‐based polyurethane materials display remarkable FR properties and non‐toxic behavior. Notably, the flame retardance of the epoxy resins is enhanced significantly with the presence of more P=O bonds and amino groups. The limitations and advantages of organophosphorus‐based materials are compared with the traditional FRs. Also, the challenges persisting in improving current flame‐retardant materials need to be addressed. However, the success of these materials and treatment methods strongly depends on the ability to impart desired functionality, durability, and scalability without compromising environmental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial disease that affects multiple brain systems and circuits. While defined by motor symptoms caused by degeneration of brainstem dopamine neurons, debilitating non-motor abnormalities in fronto-striatal-based cognitive function are common, appear early, and are initially independent of dopamine. Young adult mice expressing the PD-associated G2019S missense mutation in Lrrk2 also exhibit deficits in fronto-striatal-based cognitive tasks. In mice and humans, cognitive functions require dynamic adjustments in glutamatergic synapse strength through cell-surface trafficking of a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs), but it is unknown how LRRK2 mutation impacts dynamic features of AMPAR trafficking in striatal projection neurons (SPNs). Here, we used Lrrk2G2019S knockin mice to show that surface AMPAR subunit stoichiometry is altered biochemically and functionally in mutant SPNs in dorsomedial striatum to favor the incorporation of GluA1 over GluA2. GluA1-containing AMPARs were resistant to internalization from the cell surface, leaving an excessive accumulation of GluA1 on the surface within and outside synapses. This negatively impacted trafficking dynamics that normally support synapse strengthening, as GluA1-containing AMPARs failed to increase at synapses in response to a potentiating stimulus and showed significantly reduced surface mobility. Surface GluA2-containing AMPARs were expressed at normal levels in synapses, indicating subunit-selective impairment. Abnormal surface accumulation of GluA1 was independent of PKA activity and was limited to D1R SPNs. Since LRRK2 mutation is thought to be part of a common PD pathogenic pathway, our data suggest that sustained, striatal cell-type specific changes in AMPAR composition and trafficking contribute to cognitive or other impairments associated with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic transfer of solvent‐free, additive flame retardant (FR) formulations from epoxy resins to glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites (GFRECs) through prepregs is difficult. Additionally, obtaining data on their post‐fire mechanics is often challenging. Utilizing melamine polyphosphate (MPP), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and silane‐coated ammonium polyphosphate (SiAPP) FRs with low‐melting inorganic silicates (InSi) in an 8:2 proportion and 10% loading by weight in a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin, a systematic investigation of the processing properties, room‐temperature mechanics, and temperature‐based mechanics of the systems was performed. The resin was cured with a dicyandiamide hardener (DICY) and a urone accelerator. The results revealed no substantial impact of these FRs at the current loading on the resin's glass transition temperature or processability. However, the fire residues from cone calorimetry tests of the composites containing FRs were found to be only 15‐20% of the thickness of the resins, implying a suppression of intumescence upon transfer. At room temperature, the decrease in the flexural modulus for the composites containing FRs was negligible. Exposure of the composites in a furnace at 400°C as a preliminary study before ignition tests was shown to cause significant flexural moduli reductions after 2.5 min of exposure and complete delamination after 3 min making further testing unviable. This study emphasizes the need for future research on recovering modes of action upon transfer of FR formulations from resins to composites. Based on the challenges outlined in this investigation, sample adaptation methods for post‐fire analysis will be developed in a future study. Highlights: Processibility of resins for prepreg production unaffected by polyphosphate/inorganic silicate flame retardants (FRs).FR formulations had a negligible effect on the mechanics of the composites.15%–25% increase in the fracture toughness of the DGEBA‐based resin matrix with FRs.Suppression of intumescent behavior in the composites verified quantitatively.Significant reduction in flexural moduli of the composites post‐400°C exposure in a furnace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cotton is the most common polymer in daily life, its limited use is due to its propensity to catch fire. To solve this issue, we developed an innovative flame‐retardant aluminum phosphate‐supported, chitosan‐linked expandable graphite composite (CAlPEG). The CAlPEG was synthesized by the reaction of natural graphite, aluminum phosphate, and chitosan biopolymer in a one‐pot method. When CAlPEG was coated with cotton fabric and exposed to continuous flame, the fabric did not catch fire up to 760 s, whereas only expandable graphite (EG), aluminum phosphate (AIP), and CS, coated cotton fabric burned within 20 s. Flame‐retardant proficiency of CAlPEG‐coated cloth was confirmed by flame tests such as a limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical flammability test. The blank cotton has 17% LOI and is completely burnt out. On the other hand, the as‐prepared composite has a 43% LOI rating, which denotes a high level of flame retardancy. The VFT test result showed the formation of a 3 cm char, which confirms the flame‐retardant material possesses self‐extinguishing qualities. The article develops a new method for utilizing bioresources such as chitosan and offers fresh perspectives on the environmentally friendly synthesis of phosphorylated EG‐linked chitosan on the AlPO4 matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is often used to construct intumescent flame retardant systems together, but it is faced with the problem of adding too much flame retardant. This paper envisions the construction of a modified APP flame retardant (TR@ZIFAPP) with a sandwich structure by the method of covering, which, in order to endow APP flame retardant with better flame retardant effect. By constructing a metal catalytic layer and a triazine carbon formation layer, the modified APP flame retardant has both catalytic carbon formation and phosphorus–nitrogen synergistic flame retardant functions. TR@ZIFAPP is expected to be used in flame‐retardant polymer composites with low addition requirements, adding it to epoxy resin (EP) reveals that the TR@ZIFAPP flame retardant could achieve the optimal flame retardant effect when the addition amount was only 3 wt%. The UL‐94 rating reached V‐0 grade, and the two off‐fire auto‐ignition time levels were only 0.7 s. The analysis of its flame retardant mechanism showed that the flame retardant in EP was mainly through the rapid formation of carbon to isolate oxygen and dilute the flammable gas to reach a strong flame retardant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies, the effect of cell structures of polypropylene (PP) foam materials on flammability behavior had been largely overlooked. In this work, ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol were used as intumescent flame retardants (IFR) for PP, and then the PP‐IFR flame retardant foams were prepared by using injection foaming technology with two different weight reduction methods (same mold volume before foaming and after foaming). The results showed that the average cell size of all the PP‐IFR flame retardant foams in the 10% to 30% weight reduction was less than 100 μm. The PP‐IFR flame retardant foams with an average cell diameter of 26.22 μm and cell density of 7.88 × 106 cells/cm3 had the best limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 27.9%. In addition, the PP‐IFR flame retardant foams with better foaming quality had a higher LOI and a denser foam carbon layer whatever the weight reduction methods, resulting in better flame retardant properties. The escape of gases from the foamed and un‐foamed areas not only reduced the concentration of flammable gases but also led to the collapse and rupture of the foam carbon layer during the combustion process. Hence, it provides guidance for preparing PP foam materials with excellent flame retardancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, epoxy resin (EP) is widely used in various fields, but its flammability greatly limits the wider application of EP. In recent years, additive flame retardants have been widely used to enhance the flame retardancy of EPs, but poor resistance to weather and aging is a prevalent issue encountered with additive flame retardants. To improve the weather fastness, researchers have successfully created and synthesized EP molecules that possess a combined effect of P, N, and B. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of materials containing 20% BVN/10% VPD/EP compared with those of pure EP. 20% BVN/20% VPD/EP exhibited a vertical combustion rating of V‐1 with a limiting oxygen index measuring at 29.8%. The flame retardant epoxy thermosets exhibited a notable decrease in both the maximum heat release rate and total heat release. The findings indicate that the inherent flame‐retardant properties of the P‐N‐B coacting EP are not only characterized by exceptional curing and flame retardancy but also by superior resistance to weathering and aging compared with the additive flame retardant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Optimizing composite materials is crucial for engineering advancements because it allows for the creation of materials tailored to specific functional requirements, thereby enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This study examines both the combined and individual effects of long flax fiber (LFF) bundles, short basalt fibers (BF), and rice husk powder (RHP) on the properties of polypropylene (PP) hybrid composites. LFF primarily provides mechanical strength, BF enhances mechanical, thermal, and flame‐retardant properties by filling gaps, and RHP reinforces and improves the overall composite. Contrary to previous studies that relied on random combinations, this research employs a systematic Box–Behnken design (BBD) for three variables: LFF plies, BF, and RHP by weight percentage. This approach facilitated the development of a new second‐order regression equation via response surface methodology (RSM), clarifying the contribution of each component, with R2 values exceeding 0.85, indicating high predictability. Optimization, conducted using a non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II), demonstrated that the optimal composites significantly outperformed the non‐optimized ones in mechanical strength, thermal stability, and flame retardancy. Compared to the average values before optimization, improvements post‐optimization included increases of 49.86% in tensile strength (TS), 38.82% in TS modulus, 73.93% in char yield (YC), and 29.81% in peak heat release rate (pHRR). Specifically, the fire performance index improved by 237.5% and the fire growth index by 101.33%, compared to pure PP, highlighting significant advancements in fire safety. This study shows that mathematical equations can predict composite properties, helping to select balanced compositions without sacrificing flammability. Multi‐filler approach technique used for manufacturing of PP composites. LFF, BF & RHP optimize mechanics & flammability. Box–Behnken design predicts optimal composition for superior properties. NSGA‐II optimization improves tensile, thermal & flame retardant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the flame retardant ISA-APP, obtained by modification of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with isopropanolamine (ISA), was employed in epoxy resins (EP) in an attempt to enhance the fire resistance of EP. The findings indicate that, with an incorporation of 20 wt% ISA-APP in the EP, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of EP/ISA-APP attains 33.5%, accompanied by a UL94 test V-0 rating. This performance surpasses the flame retardancy observed in EP/APP composites at equivalent content. The outcomes derived from the cone calorimeter test (CCT) demonstrate that EP/ISA-APP significantly suppresses the release of heat, generation of smoke, and emission of noxious gas during EP/ISA-APP combustion. The peak-heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of EP/ISA-APP are decreased by 74.4% and 63.6%, respectively, compared to pure EP. Further analysis of the char residues of EP/ISA-APP shows that the P-O-C structure generated during combustion effectively contributes to a high-quality char layer formation. This investigation presents a viable approach for enhancing flame retardant and economic benefits of APP and advancing the development of highly effective flame retardants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a highly efficient flame retardant system for polyurethane microbubble elastomer (PME), a phosphate-based ionic liquid (IL) 1-methyl3-(dioxyphosphoryl)-propyl imidazole bromide was synthesized, and then combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and aluminum hypophosphate (ALHP) to form a ternary flame retardant system, which shows excellent synergistic flame retardancy and plays an important role in both gas phase and condensed phase flame retardancy. Compared with pure PME, the limiting oxygen index of flame retardant PME with 6 wt% IL and 15 wt% APP/ALHP increased from 20.25% to 29.25%, the char yields is increased by 13 times, and the heat release rate, total heat release rate, mass loss rate, and smoke production rate are reduced by 74%, 19%, 67%, and 22%, respectively. Ignition time increased from 9 s to 19 s, and extinguishing time increased from 295 s to 573 s. At the same time, the addition of IL promoted the dispersion and compatibility of APP/ALHP in the PME matrix and improved the mechanical properties. In addition, IL also shows potential in antistatic modification, providing the possibility for materials to meet both flame retardant and antistatic requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) in combination with zinc borate (ZnB), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and nanoclay on flame retardance and mechanical properties of epoxy resin have been explored. Data listed from UL-94, limiting oxygen index, and cone calorimeter tests convey that the addition of flame retardants improved the fire behavior of epoxy composites significantly. The EP/APP/ZnB/ZrO2 composite having 10% APP, 5% ZnB and 2% ZrO2 by weight attained the best V-0 rating in the UL-94 test, 29.1% limiting oxygen index value and 42.8% decrease in peak heat release rate in cone calorimeter test. A significant decrease of 48.1% in the total smoke release is observed owing to the smoke suppressant action of ZnB/ZrO2. TGA data of epoxy composite reported 25.8 and 36.7% char yield at 600°C in air and nitrogen atmospheres, respectively. Also, a significant increase in storage modulus is observed for the EP/APP/ZnB/ZrO2 composite loaded with 2 wt% ZrO2 in dynamic mechanical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate esters (OPEs), used as flame retardants and plasticizers, are present ubiquitously in the environment. Previous studies suggest that exposure to OPEs is detrimental to female fertility in humans. However, no experimental information is available on the effects of OPE mixtures on ovarian granulosa cells, which play essential roles in female reproduction. We used high-content imaging to investigate the effects of environmentally relevant OPE mixtures on KGN human granulosa cell phenotypes. Perturbations to steroidogenesis were assessed using ELISA and qRT-PCR. A high-throughput transcriptomic approach, TempO-Seq, was used to identify transcriptional changes in a targeted panel of genes. Effects on lipid homeostasis were explored using a cholesterol assay and global lipidomic profiling. OPE mixtures altered multiple phenotypic features of KGN cells, with triaryl OPEs in the mixture showing higher potencies than other mixture components. The mixtures increased basal production of steroid hormones; this was mediated by significant changes in the expression of critical transcripts involved in steroidogenesis. Further, the total-OPE mixture disrupted cholesterol homeostasis and the composition of intracellular lipid droplets. Exposure to complex mixtures of OPEs, similar to those found in house dust, may adversely affect female reproductive health by altering a multitude of phenotypic and functional endpoints in granulosa cells. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of actions underlying the toxicity induced by OPEs and highlights the need to examine the effects of human relevant chemical mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is a widely used organophosphorus flame retardant and has been detected in various environmental matrices including indoor dust. Inhalation of indoor dust is one of the most important pathways for human exposure to TDCIPP. However, its adverse effects on human lung cells and potential impacts on respiratory toxicity are largely unknown. In the current study, human non-small cell carcinoma (A549) cells were selected as a cell model, and the effects of TDCIPP on cell viability, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. Our data indicated a concentration-dependent decrease in the cell viability of A549 cells after exposure to TDCIPP for 48 h, with half lethal concentration (LC50) being 82.6 µM. In addition, TDCIPP caused cell cycle arrest mainly in the G0/G1 phase by down-regulating the mRNA expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6, while up-regulating the mRNA expression of p21 and p27. In addition, cell apoptosis was induced via altering the expression levels of Bcl-2, BAX, and BAK. Our study implies that TDCIPP may pose potential health risks to the human respiratory system and its toxicity should not be neglected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fucosylation of glycoproteins regulates diverse physiological processes. Inhibitors that can control cellular levels of protein fucosylation have consequently emerged as being of high interest. One area where inhibitors of fucosylation have gained significant attention is in the production of afucosylated antibodies, which exhibit superior antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity as compared to their fucosylated counterparts. Here, we describe β-carbafucose, a fucose derivative in which the endocyclic ring oxygen is replaced by a methylene group, and show that it acts as a potent metabolic inhibitor within cells to antagonize protein fucosylation. β-carbafucose is assimilated by the fucose salvage pathway to form GDP-carbafucose which, due to its being unable to form the oxocarbenium ion-like transition states used by fucosyltransferases, is an incompetent substrate for these enzymes. β-carbafucose treatment of a CHO cell line used for high-level production of the therapeutic antibody Herceptin leads to dose-dependent reductions in core fucosylation without affecting cell growth or antibody production. Mass spectrometry analyses of the intact antibody and N-glycans show that β-carbafucose is not incorporated into the antibody N-glycans at detectable levels. We expect that β-carbafucose will serve as a useful research tool for the community and may find immediate application for the rapid production of afucosylated antibodies for therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral-based flame retardants are widely used worldwide as they are both effective and inexpensive solutions. Especially alumina trihydrate (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MDH) are the first mineral additives that come to mind industrially due to their environmental friendliness and easy availability. In this study, the effectiveness of huntite-hydromagnesite mineral, which is not as widely used as the other two minerals, and its differences from its counterparts were investigated. For this purpose, composites with polyethylene carrier were produced by extruder method using binders at various ratios, and various physical, mechanical, and combustion properties of these samples were investigated. According to the data obtained, the samples containing huntite-hydromagnesite showed UL94 V0 class flame retardant performance with 5% less filler than their counterparts. The same samples showed superior mechanical properties in tensile strength between 23.4% and 70.8% and elongation at break between 60.7% and 73.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, the performance properties of natural-fibre-based thermal insulation materials were examined. For this purpose, three different compositions of natural fibres were prepared: pure sheep wool (SW), wool and industrial hemp (SW/HF) fibres, and pure industrial hemp (HF) fibres. Low-melt bicomponent polylactide (PLA) fibres were used as a binding material. For specimens prepared from natural fibres, the dependence of the thermal conductivity, the tensile strength along and across the direction of product formation, and the short-term water absorption on the density of the specimens and the flammability parameters were determined. In addition, to reduce the water absorption and flammability, the specimens were coated with hydrophobic agents and flame retardants. The obtained research results were also statistically processed. The analysis of the results showed that the thermal conductivity of natural-fibre-based thermal insulation materials varied within the range of 0.0333 ÷ 0.0438 W/(m·K), the tensile strength varied from 2.5 to 130 kPa, the short-term water absorption varied from 0.5 to 8.5 kg/m2, and the water vapour diffusion resistance factor varied from 2.537 to 2.667. It was additionally determined that all the studied products were flammable. The water absorption and flammability values were significantly reduced by the use of hydrophobic agents and flame retardants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warm mix flame retardant asphalt mixture can reduce the energy dissipation and harmful gas emissions during asphalt pavement construction, as well as mitigate the adverse effects of road fires. For this, this paper studies the design and performance of a mixture modified with a combination of warm mix agent and flame retardant, and the pavement performance and flame retardancy of the modified mixture are evaluated. Additionally, a flame retardancy prediction model based on the radial basis function (RBF) neural network model is established. On this basis, the principal components analysis (PCA) model is used to analyze the most significant evaluation indicators affecting flame retardancy, and finally, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed to analyze the effects of loading on the pavement structure. The results show that compared to virgin asphalt mixture, the modified mixture shows a reduction in mixing and compaction temperatures by approximately 12 °C. The high-temperature performance of the mixture is improved, while the low-temperature performance and moisture stability slightly decrease, but its flame retardancy is significantly enhanced. The RBF neural network model revealed that the established flame retardancy prediction model has a high accuracy, allowing for precise evaluation of the flame retardancy. Finally, the PCA model identified that the combustion time has a significant effect on the flame retardancy of the asphalt mixture, and the finite element model revealed that the displacements of the warm mix fire retardant asphalt mixture were lower than virgin asphalt mixture in all directions under the loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the optimal conditions for synthesizing a new flame retardant based on pentaerythritol, phosphoric acid, and magnesium hydroxide are studied. In this case, the molar ratio of the initial substances was 3.64:1, and the synthesis duration was four hours. After the completion of this process, different (1, 3, and 5%) solutions of magnesium hydroxide were added at a temperature of 90 ºC for 3 hours. The yield of this reaction was 85%. Applying this obtained flame retardant to textile materials increases the fire resistance of textile materials. The composition of synthesized antiperine and antiperine applied textile fabrics was studied by IR spectrum, and the thermal decomposition of antiperine applied fabric was investigated by TGA and DTA analysis, and 100 μm sections of flame retardant treated fabrics were measured by scanning electron microscope. The fire resistance and physical mechanical properties of these materials were studied based on the requirements of GOST 50810-95. The oxygen index of the fabric treated with synthesized flame retardant was 35.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of Hartindo AF21 as a wood preservative against subterranean termites, specifically Coptotermes curvignathus Homgren (Rhinotermitidae) in Malaysian conditions. The aim was to examine the performance of Hartindo AF21 in preventing termite attacks on Koompassia malaccensis and Hevea brasiliensis. The tests involved using various concentrations of Hartindo AF21 in both single choice (no-choice) (ASTM D3345) and aboveground (IHM/WEL/1) scenarios. The findings from the laboratory and above-ground tests revealed that concentrations of Hartindo AF21 above 20% created a sufficient chemical barrier or resulted in high mortality rates for C. curvignathus after 15 days. Additionally, both wood species treated with Hartindo AF21 displayed typical repellent wood preservative behavior, with reduced feeding and mass loss as the concentr ation of preservative increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The overall quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis has not substantially improved over the years, despite the quality care provided by health-care providers. Due to the chronic nature of the disease, there is substantial psychosocial burden on patients and caregivers alike. This study was done to measure healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) in our patients and to delineate the factors that influence HRQOL. Methods: This was a single-center prospective cohort study. 191 patients were studied and followed up for up to 1 year. We used independent t test/Mann Whitney U test/ANOVA/Kruskal Wallis test to find the association between sociodemographic and clinical parameters with QOL domains. Results: We found that patients who were actively working had better HRQOL as compared to unemployed patients (P < 0.001). Patients who were older, those who had longer vintage of dialysis, diabetes, cardiovascular comorbidities, with history of noncompliance with hemodialysis, and an increased annual hospitalization rate had worse HRQOL (P < 0.001). We also found that patients who had higher phosphate levels and lower albumin levels had lower HRQOL (P < 0.001). Patients with higher HRQOL scores were detected to have lower odds of death [Odds ratio of Symptom/Problem List score= 0.96 (95% CI, 0.938-0.995)], which was statistically significant (P = .02). Conclusion: This study gives an insight into the socioeconomic and medical factors associated with the QOL in chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in Bengaluru, South India. Our study shows that there is poor HRQOL among hemodialysis patients and a significant association with morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For the first time, fire occurrence in heritage facilities and the use of fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings are discussed in a comprehensive approach. • Studies on the development and application of fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings, addressing the different mechanisms of action and the main formulations, are reviewed. • The leading causes of fires, the factors contributing to their spread, and the fire protection measures applied to heritage facilities are described. • Based on published research, the use of fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings in museum and storage environments is addressed, and an overview of the limited research on the application of these coatings in heritage environments is provided. • The value of fire-protective coatings is recognised as an additional measure to collections in fire-prone locations or for facilities more susceptible to fire-related events. Fire is one of the most damaging deterioration agents in a short time of action. It can cause considerable damage, leading to the loss of lives and possessions. Concerning fire safety recommendations, buildings must be protected by an integrated system of passive and active measures. Two passive measures widely used in many industries are fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings. These systems provide a fire-protective layer to the surfaces of flammable and non-flammable materials, delaying or preventing their ignition, reducing the heat transfer from the source to the substrate and decreasing the flame spread and the release of smoke and toxic gases. When exposed to fire, according to the different mechanisms of action, fire-protective coatings (FPC) can be classified as non-intumescent and intumescent. Despite being widely mentioned in heritage fire safety guidelines, studies on their application in the field are still scarce. Namely, research on the safety and efficacy of their application near collections (in support materials) and systematic studies comparing different formulations. Therefore, this research assembles interdisciplinary studies on the use of FPC to deepen knowledge and theoretically identify the feasibility of their application in collection support/storage materials or exhibition furniture (bookshelves, cabinets, plinths) in heritage environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame retardants (FRs) are commonly added to commercial products to achieve flammability resistance. Since most of them are not chemically bonded to the materials, they could be leached to the environment during the production and disposal cycle. These FRs were categorised based on their chemical nature, including brominated, organophosphorus-, mineral- and nitrogen-based. This review summarised the abiotic degradation reactions of these four classes of FRs, with a focus on thermal and photodegradation reactions in environmental and food matrices. Only 24 papers have reported related information on abiotic degradation reactions that could be useful for predicting possible degradation pathways, and most focused on brominated FRs. Most studies also investigated the thermal degradation of FRs under high temperatures (>400 °C), which exceeds the normal cooking temperature at 100–300 °C. For photodegradation, studies have used up to five times the energy typically used in UV radiation during food processing. It is recommended that future studies investigate the fate of these FRs in foods under more realistic processing conditions, to provide a more comprehensive picture of the estimated consumption of FRs and their degradation products from foods, and facilitate a better risk assessment of the use of these novel FRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of borosiloxane structures-containing polybenzoxazines (PBZs) with intrinsic environment-friendly flame-retardant properties and high-temperature resistance are investigated in this study. Initially, borosiloxane structures-containing benzoxazine macromonomers (BZ-BSiO-X) were synthesized through a condensation reaction between silicon ethoxy groups-containing benzoxazine monomers (P-mdes), boric acid (BA) and diphenyldimethoxysilane (DPDMS) with varying feed ratios. Subsequently, the benzoxazine groups in BZ-BSiO-X underwent ring-opening polymerization at elevated temperatures to produce poly(BZ-BSiO-X). The properties of poly(BZ-BSiO-X) were evaluated using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Thermogravimetric Analysis and an Oxygen Index instrument. The results show that the heat resistance of poly(BZ-BSiO-X) is enhanced by the cross-linking structures formed by the P-mdes segment and B-N coordination interaction, leading to their glass transition temperatures (Tg, tan δ) exceeding 300 °C. The thermal stability and flame-retardant properties of poly(BZ-BSiO-X) are reinforced via the borosiloxane structures formed through DPDMS and BA, resulting in a 5% weight loss temperatures (Td5) around 400 °C and limiting oxygen index (LOI) values above 30. These polymers, containing environment-friendly flame-retardant boron (B) and silicon (Si) elements, exhibit potential as alternatives to halogen- or phosphorus-containing flame-retardant materials and are expected to be used in various fields as environment-friendly flame-retardant materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Organophosphate esters (OPEs), used ubiquitously as flame retardants and plasticizers in consumer products, are suspected of having developmental toxicity. METHODS: In the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study (2008–2018), an enriched case–cohort of 900 babies born at the small and large ends of the growth spectrum, we quantified OPE biomarkers in three urine samples per pregnant participant and abstracted ultrasound and delivery measures of fetal growth from medical records. We estimated associations between pregnancy-averaged log-transformed OPE biomarkers and repeated ultrasound measures of fetal growth using linear mixed-effects models, and delivery measures of fetal growth using linear (birth weight) and logistic (SGA and LGA) regression models. RESULTS: Most OPE biomarkers were positively associated with at least one ultrasound measure of fetal growth, but associations with delivery measures were largely null. For example, an interquartile range (IQR; 1.31 ng/mL) increase in bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate concentration was associated with larger 푧-scores in head circumference [mean difference (difference): 0.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.17], abdominal circumference (difference: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.18), femur length (difference: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.19), and estimated fetal weight (difference: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.22) but not birth weight (difference: 0.04; 95% CI: -0.08, 0.17). At delivery, an IQR (1.00 ng/mL) increase in diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) concentration was associated with an SGA birth (odds ratio: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.94). CONCLUSIONS: In a large prospective cohort, gestational OPE exposures were associated with larger fetal size during pregnancy, but associations at delivery were null. DPHP concentrations were associated with heightened risk of an SGA birth. These findings suggest that OPE exposure may affect fetal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research status of microplastics leaching solution is reviewed. The detection methods of mi- croplastic leaching solution are summarized, the main components of microplastic leaching solution are summarized, the basic composition is summarized, the role of additive leaching in water and their harm to water and aquatic life are summarized. It is proposed that we should strengthen the research on the leaching behavior of additives from aging MPs, explore the relationship between the release rate of additives and the aging degree of microplastics, and pay attention to the enrichment of microplastic leaching liquid components in organisms and the transmission rules between different nutritional levels in the food chain. It is proposed to strengthen the supervision of the treatment and treatment of plastic products, actively look for replaceable materials, and research and develop effective waste plastics and microplastics disposal technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sonodynamic Therapy (SDT) is a non-invasive means of eaneer treatment using focused ultrasound. The synergistic strategy based on SDT for liver cancer has high research significance and clinical translational value. This paper summarized the therapeutic mechanism and common acoustic sensitivities of SDT, analyzed the reasons why it is difficult to satisfy the current treatment of liver cancer tumors based on single mode acoustic dynamic therapy, and focused on the research progress of acoustic dynamic therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy and other dual synergistic treatment modes, as well as multi-mode synergistic therapy based on acoustic dynamic therapy. The aim is to provide reference and guidance for the future SDT collaborative mode treatment of liver cancer and other types of cancer. At the same time, it points out that SDT collaborative therapy still faces problems in the research process, such as the insignificant effect of single therapy and the few studies on multi-modal combined therapy. Finally, it puts forward the development prospect of developing new acoustic sensitizing agents, exploring the mechanism of combined therapy and realizing real-time diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of different modification methods of oyster shells on phosphorus adsorption properties were studied. The effect of different modified concentrations of AlCl3 on phosphorus removal in oyster shells was compared. The results showed that the phosphorus removal rate of 0.5 mol/L AlCl3 modified oyster shells was as high as 90%, and the phosphorus concentration of residual sewage after treatment was 0.05 mg/L. The study compared the treatment effects of natural oyster shells, hot-modified oyster shells and AlCl3 modified oyster shells on low-concentration phosphorus containing wastewater. The TP removal rate were 63% ~ 68%, 61% ~ 72% and 83% ~ 90%, respectively, and the TP removal rate of AlCl3 modified oyster shells were the highest. The adsorption of natural oyster shells, thermal modified oyster shells and AlCl3 modified oyster shells conforms to the quasi-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isothermal adsorption model, and the adsorption process includes both physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. In the Freundlich isothermal adsorption model, parameter n values of natural oyster shell, hot-modified oyster shell and AlCl3 modified oyster shell were 1.205, 1.168 and 2.611, respectively, indicating that the adsorption reaction of phosphorus on AlCl3 modified oyster shell was easier than that on natural oyster shell and hot-modified oyster shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame retardants, widely used in industry as chemicals in additives for consumer products such as electronics, automobiles, polyurethane foams, and textiles, are used to reduce the likelihood of fire in flammable materials. Traditional flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers have been proved to have environmental pollution and toxicity problems in several studies, and in order to solve these problems, a series of new flame retardants (NBFRs), represented by decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), have emerged. As a kind of new pollutant, NBFRs have been reported in industrially developed regions such as the Bohai Rim and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regions, as well as in remote regions such as the bipolar regions. As the third pole of the world, the Tibetan Plateau, with low industrialization and sparsely populated, is an important region to study the atmospheric long-range transport and environmental impacts of NBFRs, as is the case for the bipolar regions. In this paper, we summarize the NBFRs studies conducted in the Tibetan Plateau region in recent years, including soil, moss, atmosphere, and water media, and the study area covers a number of typical regions in the Tibetan Plateau. The concentration and detection rate of DBDPE have been reported to be the highest in all matrices on the Tibetan Plateau. However, few studies have been conducted on the Tibetan Plateau and further research is needed to fill the gap of new contaminants in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]