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Melamine-phytate (MEL-PA) nanoflakes are formed by supramolecular self-assembly technology using melamine (MEL) and bio-based phytic acid (PA) as the building blocks. This work explores the possibility of this two-dimensional nanomaterial as flame retardant. The layered MEL-PA with the loading of 1, 2 and 3 wt% are incorporated into polypropylene (PP) matrix. MEL-PA is dispersed well in the PP matrix. Thermal stability and flame retardant performance of PP/MEL-PA composites are investigated. Compared with neat PP, the addition of 2 wt% MEL-PA decreases the peak heat release rate from 756 to 608 kW/m2. Char yield of PP is improved by MEL-PA, and the chemical structure and graphitization degree of residual char are studied to reveal flame retardant mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel nano-clay flame retardant (HNTs@MEL-PA) is prepared by modifying halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with supramolecular self-assembly technology using melamine (MEL) and bio-based phytic acid (PA) as the building blocks. Transmission electron microscopy images and Fourier transform infrared spectra show that the surface of HNTs is successfully decorated with MEL-PA supramolecular aggregates by hydrogen bonding. The feasibility of using HNTs@MEL-PA as a flame retardant for polypropylene (PP) is explored. Compared with PP/HNTs composites, the dispersion of HNTs@MEL-PA and its interfacial interactions with PP matrix are greatly improved. Heat release of PP is decreased in a certain degree and its smoke release is greatly reduced by HNTs@MEL-PA. With the addition of 15 wt% HNTs@MEL-PA, total smoke production of PP is decreased from 15.7 to 10.2 m2, indicating the greatly improved fire safety. Flame retardant and smoke suppression mechanisms of HNTs@MEL-PA are proposed based on thermal decomposition results and the analysis on char residue. Image 1 • HNTs were modified by supramolecular self-assembly technology. • Combustion behaviors of PP/HNTs@MEL-PA composites were investigated. • Flame retardant and smoke suppression mechanisms of HNTs@MEL-PA were concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nacre-like GO-PTA paper is prepared by evaporation-induced self-assembly method. • Fire sensor-based GO-PTA exhibits ultrasensitive and durable warning response. • Enhancement in fire resistance of GO is attributed to in situ phosphorus doping. A novel nacre-like flame-retardant paper based on graphene oxide (GO), and phytic acid (PTA) is fabricated via evaporation-induced self-assembly. This facile method is time saving and low energy consuming. A facile approach is proposed to improve thermal oxidative stability of GO paper by in situ phosphorus doping during flame exposure. Then fire-alarm system is designed based on the high-temperature thermal reduction characteristic of GO. The GO paper functionalized with PTA (GO-PTA) can provide ultrasensitive, reliable and longtime fire early-warning signal. Fire alarm can be triggered at approximately 0.50 s when GO-PTA samples are attacked by fire. Phosphorus atoms are in situ doped into graphene layers during fire exposure, endowing GO-PTA paper with outstanding thermal oxidative stability, and thus alarm duration time of GO is greatly improved. The work develops advanced fire detection and early-warning sensors that provide reliable and continuous signals, which provide more available time for fire evacuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organically modified ammonium polyphosphate (APP) flame retardant is prepared by supramolecular assembly method using melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin and phytic acid (PA) as building blocks. Surface characteristics of APP are modified, resulting in the enhancements in water resistance, dispersion in the polymer matrix and their compatibility. This supramolecular assembly modified APP (APP@MF-PA) matches well with charring-foaming agent (CFA) to achieve excellent fire safety for polypropylene (PP), and the superiority over conventional APP is observed. Heat, CO and CO 2 releases of PP are greatly decreased by the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) formulation containing APP@MF-PA and CFA. The modification of APP with MF-PA supramolecules are beneficial to improve the yield, insulation properties, graphitization degree and compactness of char. Flame-retardant mechanisms are demonstrated according to the investigations on gaseous and condensed phase products. This novel and facile modification method provides a new strategy for improving the flame-retardant efficiency of IFR. Image 1 • The surface characteristics of APP were modified by supramolecular assembly. • Fire hazards of PP were greatly reduced by this modified APP and CFA. • Flame retardant mechanisms were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]