1. Nanostructured flame retardants: performance, toxicity, and environmental impact
- Author
-
S. Michalowski and K. Pielichowski
- Subjects
Materials science ,Toxicity ,Nanoparticle ,Nanotechnology ,Char ,Combustion ,Beneficial effects ,Nanomaterials - Abstract
Fire is an important aspect for the health and environmental risks of nanomaterials. Although nanoparticle applications yield enhanced flame retardancy in polymer nanomaterials – due to char layer formation, the labyrinth effect, and molecular mobility depression – free nanoparticles (dry, dispersible single particles or agglomerates) may enter the gaseous phase during combustion processes, presenting an inhalation hazard. Vast research programmes initiated to develop novel nanostructured flame retardants for polymeric materials have already shown some beneficial effects, such as decreased heat release rate, limitation of dripping, and improvement of self-extinguishability. However, the health and environmental risks associated with the use of nanoparticles as fillers or flame retardants should be taken into account, as oxidative stress, fibrosis, cardiovascular effects, cytotoxicity, and possibly carcinogenicity as outcomes of nanoparticle exposure have been reported.
- Published
- 2014