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This study explores the potential of natural and recycled materials to enhance the fire behavior of eco-friendly intumescent coatings, compared to a traditional ammonium polyphosphate (APP)-based one. To achieve this, cork, halloysite clay, and recycled glass were evaluated as natural fillers and sustainable components within the coating formulation. The aim was to reduce the reliance on synthetic materials and minimize the environmental impact while maintaining fire performance. Fire exposure tests were conducted to assess the in situ char formation and its relationship to the heat source and char foaming process. The results highlighted that all functionalized coatings exhibited suitable intumescent behavior. The best results were evidenced by cork-filled coating that evidenced an intumescent capacity about 40% higher than the traditional ammonium polyphosphate (APP)-based one. This provided valuable insights into the coating's real-time response to fire, determining its suitability for various fire-resistant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass is considered a sustainable material with achievable recovery rates within the EU. However, there are limited data available for construction glass waste management. Furthermore, glass is a heavy material, and considering the geographical limitations of Cyprus, the transportation trading cost within the EU is extremely high. Therefore, another method for utilizing this by-product should be developed. The aim of this research is to investigate the production of a low-cost, lightweight and fireproof material able to retain its structural integrity, using the geopolymerization method with the incorporation of randomly collected construction glass waste. The glass waste was initially processed in a Los Angeles abrasion machine and then through a Micro-Deval apparatus in order to be converted to a fine powder. Mechanical (compressive and flexural strength), physical (setting time and water absorption) and thermal properties (thermal conductivity) were investigated. The fire-resistant materials presented densities averaging 450 kg/m3 with a range of compressive strengths of 0.5 to 3 MPa. Additionally, a techno-economic analysis was conducted to evaluate the viability of the adopted material. Based on the results, the final geopolymer product has the potential to be utilized as a fire resistance material, preventing yielding or spalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper with simultaneous fire-resistance and hydrophobicity have greatly potential applications in the fields of packing, storage and delivering information, which attracts increasing attention recently. Different from the traditional cellulose-based paper which is extremely easily damaged by water and fire, a new type of highly flexible, fire-resistant and hydrophobic paper based on Si 3 N 4 nanowires and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is reported. Specially, the Si 3 N 4 @PDMS core-shell nanowires with 3D interlocking structure are designed, in which the Si 3 N 4 nanowires act as the inorganic fire-resistant frameworks and the PDMS shell with low surface energy provides the hydrophobic surface. The Si 3 N 4 @PDMS core-shell nanowires are intertwined and interlaced to form a highly flexible Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper. The tensile strength of Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper is 6.19 MPa, indicating the good mechanical property. The obtained Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper has the characteristics of writability, fire-resistance and hydrophobicity. The high thermal stability of Si 3 N 4 nanowires makes Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper exhibit excellent fire resistance. No obvious change is observed for the commercial paper with Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper as the fire-shielding layer after heating for 30 min. In addition, the contact angles of water droplets are all greater than 110° over the surfaces of Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper after mechanical damages, chemical corrosions and thermal treatments. Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper can be used in oil/water separation and oil collection. More importantly, Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper can be used for writing without being damaged by fire or water. The present work may inspire the development and application of functional paper and is expected to become a breakthrough in the traditional paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass is considered a sustainable material with achievable recovery rates within the EU. However, there are limited data available for construction glass waste management. Furthermore, glass is a heavy material, and considering the geographical limitations of Cyprus, the transportation trading cost within the EU is extremely high. Therefore, another method for utilizing this by-product should be developed. The aim of this research is to investigate the production of a low-cost, lightweight and fireproof material able to retain its structural integrity, using the geopolymerization method with the incorporation of randomly collected construction glass waste. The glass waste was initially processed in a Los Angeles abrasion machine and then through a Micro-Deval apparatus in order to be converted to a fine powder. Mechanical (compressive and flexural strength), physical (setting time and water absorption) and thermal properties (thermal conductivity) were investigated. The fire-resistant materials presented densities averaging 450 kg/m3 with a range of compressive strengths of 0.5 to 3 MPa. Additionally, a techno-economic analysis was conducted to evaluate the viability of the adopted material. Based on the results, the final geopolymer product has the potential to be utilized as a fire resistance material, preventing yielding or spalling.

Super-hydrophobic and fire-retardant coatings have been applied to the bamboo surface. However, it remains a significant challenge to develop coating materials that perform multiple functions simultaneously. In this paper, a novel conductive bamboo timber (RGO@AgBT), coated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and silver nanoparticles, was fabricated via a hydrothermal process and a silver mirror reaction process. The RGO@AgBT composites had excellent photo-catalytic activity, meanwhile, the removal rate of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), and methyl orange (MO) after 60 min photo-degradation were 77.6 %, 88.8 %, and 78.4 %, respectively, superior to the raw bamboo timber (BT) and the bamboo timber coated with reduced graphene oxide (RGOBT). The RGO@AgBT samples showed excellent antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the RGO@AgBT samples exhibited improved thermal stability and fire-resistant property with a limiting oxygen index of 30.5 %. Finally, the future directions of multifunctional bamboo research and opportunities for electronic industry application are prospected.

In this study, steels with different volume fraction of bainite and ferrite were obtained by tuning the rolling process to change the austenitic state before ferrite transformation. The volume fraction of bainite in the steel when the austenite was undeformed was ~83%, and in the steel when the austenite was deformed was ~36%. The yield strength at room temperature of the experimental steel with undeformed austenite was ~63.5 MPa higher than the experimental steel with deformed austenite, while the yield strength at 600 °C of the former was ~104.8 MPa higher than the latter. The main strengthening methods that led to difference in yield strength at elevated temperature are precipitation strengthening, dislocation strengthening and grain boundary strengthening. The experimental steel with higher volume fraction of bainite was characterized by higher Young's modulus and dislocation density at 600 °C, while the volume fraction of precipitates was relatively lower. The higher Young's modulus was mainly because of higher volume fraction of alloyed cementite precipitated from steel with higher volume fraction of bainite at 600 °C. Furthermore, the boundary densities of packet boundaries, block boundaries and sub-block boundaries had an important influence on the yield strength of steel at 600 °C.

In the present study, thermal properties of geopolymer paste, based on fayalite waste from copper producing plants and metakaolin, were analyzed. The used activator solution was a mixture of sodium water glass, potassium hydroxide and water with the following molar ratio: SiO2/M2O = 1.08, H2O/M2O = 15.0 and K2O/Na2O = 1.75. High strength geopolymers pastes were evaluated after exposure to 400, 800 and 1150 °C. The physical properties (absolute and apparent density, water absorption) and compressive strength were determined on the initial and the heat treated samples. The phase composition, microstructure and spectroscopic characteristics were examined by XRD, SEM-EDS, FTIR and Mössbauer spectroscopy, respectively. The structure of the heat-treated geopolymers differs in the outer and inner layers of the specimens due to variation in the phase composition. The outer layer was characterized by a reddish color and more rigidity, while the inner core was black and less viscous at elevated temperatures. The results showed that geopolymer pastes based on fayalite are fire-resistant up to 1150 °C. Moreover, after heat treatment at this temperature, the compressive strength increased by 75% to 139 MPa, while water absorption reduced by about 9 times to 1.2%. These improvements are explained with the crystallization of the geopolymer gel to leucite and K,Na-sanidine, and substitutions of Al/Fe in the geopolymer gel and iron phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fire resistance and residual bearing capacity of prestressed concrete (PC) beams after fire exposure are very important to the safety of engineering applications. This study performed experimental investigations and theoretical calculations of the fire resistance of PC T-beams subjected to a standard fire. Effects of fire exposure time, steel strand location, and prestress level on failure mode, ductility, residual bending capacity, and residual stiffness of PC T-beams were investigated. The bending working mechanism of PC T-beams after exposure to the standard fire was determined. With increased fire exposure time, the ductility and bending stiffness decreased significantly and the failure mode changed. However, because of catenary action, extra vertical force between the end support of specimens and steel strands increased the ultimate bending capacity of fire-damaged PC T-beams. Multilayer steel strands with high prestress could delay initial crack occurrence and increase residual bending capacity effectively. However, they have little influence on residual stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo is an abundant and fast-growing nature material, which has been used in furniture and buildings. Its strength and fire-resistance are two critical issues for its wide applications. Herein, a high-strength and flame-retardant structural bamboo is obtained by constructing a boron nitride (BN)/graphene oxide (GO) composite nanocoating on the surface of delignified and densified bamboo (D-bamboo), abbreviated as BN/GO@D-bamboo. The two-dimensional BN nanosheets can form a layered structure on the surface of bamboo, providing bamboo with thermal dissipation and physical barrier for significantly improving its fire resistance. As a result, compared with natural bamboo and D-bamboo, the ignition time of BN/GO@D-bamboo is prolonged by 67% and 49%, the maximum heat release rate and total heat release are reduced by 59% and 40%, respectively, the smoke generation is also significantly reduced, showing an excellent flame retardancy and smoke suppression. On the other hand, GO in the composite nanocoating can form hydrogen bonding with the cellulose of bamboo, which in turn endows the coating with strong adhesion (5 B grade). Consequently, the axial tensile strength, bending strength and radial compressive strength of the BN/GO@D-bamboo are significantly improved compared with natural bamboo. Given the excellent flame retardancy and mechanical robustness of BN/GO@D-bamboo, it is expected to be a new generation high-performance sustainable structural material. [Display omitted] • A high-strength and flame-retardant structural material is developed using fast-growing natural bamboo. • Boron nitride nanosheets are used as a green flame retardant and its mechanism of flame retardation is revealed. • Graphene oxide nanosheets could act as a highly efficient nanoglue between boron nitride nanosheets and substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible and excellent thermal insulation membranes are required as the thermal protection system materials of aerospace vehicles for next-generation space missions. Using ceramic membranes with ultralow thermal conductivity has been proved to be an effective way to protect the electronic components inside the fuselage. Herein, we decorate hydroxyapatite (HA) micron-flake onto Si 3 N 4 nanowire membrane (SR), and investigate the thermal stability, fire-resistance and thermal insulating properties of the obtained SR decorated by HA micron-flake (SRHM). Surface decoration of HA micron-flake onto the SR results in the formation of well-interconnected junctions and the increase of interfacial thermal resistance. Due to the increased interfacial thermal resistance, the as-prepared SRHM exhibits good thermal insulation and outstanding fire-retardant performance. SRHM shows robust mechanical property with tensile strength value of 4.10 MPa, increased by 247.5% compared to the SR without the surface decoration by HA micron-flake. The thermal conductivity of SRHM is as low as 0.037 W m−1 K−1, reduced by 33.9% compared to the SR without the surface decoration by HA micron-flake. After SRHM is heated by a butane blow torch at 1300 °C for 30 min, no obvious change is observed in the macroscopic morphology. And the temperature of the backside for SRHM maintains at a stable temperature of ∼260 °C for 300 s, which is 1040 °C lower than that of the front side. Additionally, SRHM can protect the electronic components form being burnt under the heating of an alcohol lamp for 30 min. The successful preparation of such thermal insulating and fire-retardant SRHM will open up a new world for the widespread applications of ceramic membranes in the fields of aerospace vehicles. [Display omitted] • Surface decoration of hydroxyapatite (HA) micron-flake onto the Si 3 N 4 nanowires results in the increase of interfacial thermal resistance. • The thermal conductivity of Si 3 N 4 nanowire membrane decorated by HA micron-flake (SRHM) is as low as 0.037 W m−1 K−1. • The temperature of the backside for SRHM is ∼260 °C, 1040 °C lower than that of the front side heating at 1300 °C for 300 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Hydrogels containing a large amount of water are widely used as fire‐resistant materials. However, when exposed to fire, the organic polymer network of gel will burn in a short time as the contained water evaporates. For that, the fire‐retarding ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and woven basalt fibers are introduced in polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels to improve the fire‐resistant performance. Thermo‐gravimetric tests indicating that the APP can prevent gel from decomposition effectively when the content is larger than 13 wt%. And the APP can form a foam layer on gel surface to protect it from burning. The basalt fibers are capable of absorbing heat and strengthening the gel. With the synergetic of APP and basalt fibers, the resultant basalt/PAAm‐APP composite with high mechanical strength exhibits excellent fire‐resistant performance. It can sustain the 1300 °C flame for as long as 15 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightweight functional textiles play a crucial role in the development of modern protective clothing. Unlike traditional multi-layer systems, which tend to increase weight considerably, lightweight functional textiles offer a revolutionary alternative, they preserve the lightness of the protective clothing while maintaining its effectiveness especially in situations where mobility is crucial, such as emergency response or rescue operations. Herein we develop lighter and more flexible functional textiles through the electrospinning process, while using a low volatile and eco-friendly solvent. The research was divided into two separate phases. The first one examined the properties of electrospun films using poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF and different concentrations of the ionic liquid 3-hexyl-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-iumhexafluorophasphate (v) [Im; PF 6 ]. The evaluations covered the surface chemistry, morphology, wettability, thermal decomposition and fire resistance of films. It was found that the 3 % ionic liquid film had a contact angle of 100.4° and showed excellent fire resistance. The second part of the research involved the functionalization of cotton by applying the optimal concentration of the ionic liquid using electrospinning. The modified cotton was hydrophobic, with a contact angle increasing from 90° to 136°, and highly fire resistant. This finding indicates that electrospinning can successfully and efficiently fix the ionic liquid onto cotton in a single step. • Development of lighter and flexible functional textiles using electrospinning • Use of ionic liquid [Im, PF 6 ] as a low volatile and eco-friendly solvent • Achieving fire resistance and hydrophobicity with a single-step functionalization process [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon aerogels have attracted considerable attention in basic research and for their potential applications in many fields. Here, the fabrication of a magnetic cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) carbon aerogel (m‐CPMCA) is reported using a simple freeze‐drying followed by a carbonisation process, and direct immobilisation of Fe3 O4 nanoparticle on the surface of aerogels. The obtained target aerogel has the characteristics of low density (0.098 g/cm3), high porosity (>90%) and 3D interpenetrating porous structures. Furthermore, m‐CPMCA has a surprising compressive strength (about 0.35 MPa) which is obviously higher than many other cellulose‐based carbon aerogels. After Carbonization, m‐CPMCA exhibits superhydrophobicity, selective absorption for organic solvents and fire‐resistance. The m‐CPMCA also exhibited a magnetic response and can absorb oil on the water surface and can be actuated by a small magnet. More importantly, the m‐CPMCA could be recycled many times by combustion, which showed economic significance. To sum up, the authors believe that m‐CPMCA will become a very potential adsorbent for dealing with the increasingly serious problem of organic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model using the fiber approach is presented in this paper for quantifying the strength and fire-resistance of eccentrically loaded slender concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns with rectangular sections incorporating the interaction of local and global buckling. The model utilizes the thermal simulator to ascertain the temperature distribution in cross-sections, and the nonlinear global buckling analysis to predict the interaction responses of local and global buckling of loaded CFST slender columns to fire effects. The initial geometric imperfection, air gap between the concrete and steel tube, tensile concrete strength, deformations caused by preloads, and temperature-dependent material behavior are included in the formulation. The computational theory, modeling procedure and numerical solution algorithms are described. The computational model is verified by existing experimental and numerical results. The structural responses and fire-resistance of CFST columns of rectangular sections exposed to fire are investigated. The mathematical model proposed is demonstrated to be an efficient computer simulator for the fire-performance of slender CFST columns loaded eccentrically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of diamine monomer 2,2′-p-phenylenebis (5-aminobenzimidazole) (PBABI) with bis-benzimidazole moiety was synthesized and a facile two-step wet-spinning method was employed to fabricate a series of polyimide fibers containing bis-benzimidazole units (PBIPI) with the 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic anhydride (BPDA), p -Phenylenediamine (p -PDA) and self-synthesized PBABI as the monomers. The structures and purity of self-synthesized PBABI was characterized in detail. Various temperatures for thermal-drawn process were studied and the 2D-WAXD showed that the higher the temperature for thermal-drawn process, the more orderly of the polymer chains. Attributed to the stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding forces combined with the orientation and arrangement of molecular chains, the as-spun PBIPI fiber displayed improved mechanical properties with the tensile strength of 1.97 GPa and the initial modulus 59.5 GPa. Furthermore, the PBIPI fiber also showed improved thermal stability and flame resistance properties due to the existent of benzimidazole units. Correspondingly, the glass transition temperature (T g) and the temperature at the maximum degradation rate (T d-max) of the PBIPI fiber in nitrogen increased by 76 °C and 17 °C respectively and the limit oxygen index (LOI) enhanced by 13%, making these novel polymeric fibers as good thermo-resistant and flame-retardant fiber in fire-fighting domain. • Series of polyimide fibers containing bis-benzimidazole moiety were fabricated. • The morphologies and microstructures of PBIPI fibers were investigated in detail. • The incorporation of bis-benzimidazole moiety is beneficial for intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the obtained PBIPI fibers. • Maximum improvement of 137% in tensile strength and 33% in modulus could be achieved. • PBIPI fibers showed improved thermal properties with an enhanced LOI value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oil absorption by macroporous absorbents has been recognized as an easy, efficient, economical and environment-friendly method in such fields as oil pollution control, oil-water separation, and solidification of liquid fuels/hazardous. In this study, Carbonized asphalt-melamine sponge (CAMS) was prepared by the combination of dip-coating melamine sponge with asphalt/water emulsion and then mild carbonization at 500 °C. The produced CAMS presented high oil-absorption capacity and good recyclability, water-repellence, fire resistance, flexible compressibility and low density. Its chloroform absorption capacity can reach 246 g g−1, significantly higher than that of most of other reported oil absorbents. CAMS is verified as oil-absorbent material with great commercial development potentials that can be massively produced via green and economic process, using no organic solvents or harmful solutions while lowering manufacture costs. Highlights • Carbonized asphalt-melamine sponge (CAMS) was made via a green, cheap and easy route. • CAMS has quite higher oil-absorption capacity than most reported oil absorbents. • CAMS has good water-repellence to ensure selective oil absorption from water surface. • CAMS has good recyclability of oil-absorption capacity. • CAMS has fire resistance, flexible compressibility and low density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A fiber model is presented for simulating rectangular CFST short columns in fire. • The sequential coupled nonlinear thermal and stress analysis procedure is given. • Local buckling, air gap, moisture content and surface emissivity are considered. • The fire-resistance and behavior of loaded CFST short columns in fire is studied. • The numerical model developed predicts well the fire performance of CFST columns. Abstract Elevated temperatures significantly reduce the local buckling strengths of steel tubes and the ultimate strengths of rectangular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns exposed to fire. No fiber-based models have been developed that include local buckling effects on the fire-resistance of rectangular CFST columns. This paper presents a new fiber element model for the fire-resistance predictions of axially loaded rectangular CFST short columns at elevated temperatures considering local buckling. The thermal analysis problem of a CFST column is solved by the finite difference method to determine the temperature distribution within its cross-section including an air gap, concrete moisture content and the emissivity of exposure surfaces. The nonlinear stress analysis of axially loaded short CFST columns under fire recognizes the stress-strain behavior of concrete and steel at elevated temperatures. The expressions for initial local buckling and effective widths of steel plates are incorporated in the computational model to include the effects of local and post-local buckling on the fire responses of CFST columns. The existing experimental and numerical results are utilized to examine the accuracy of the fiber-based model. The fiber model developed is used to undertake parametric studies on the effects of local buckling, geometric and material properties and loading ratio on the thermal and structural responses of CFST short columns and the load distribution in steel tube and concrete. The numerical model proposed is demonstrated to simulate well the fire and structural performance of axially loaded CFST short columns under fire. Moreover, computational solutions presented provide a better understanding of the thermal and structural responses of CFST columns in fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire plays an important role in several grassland ecosystems in the world. Fire can trigger germination in several species, by breaking the physical dormancy of their seeds. Thus, we hypothesized that exposure to high temperatures during fire would break seed dormancy and enhance germination. We tested the effect of high temperatures on the germination of six species of legumes from Brazilian subtropical grasslands. We used heat shock experiments with the following treatments: 60, 90, 120 and 150ºC for one minute. Seeds were then placed to germinate for 60 days in 12/12 hours light/dark and 20/30ºC. Germination was generally low for all study species. Most species was not affected by heat shock treatments. However, Stylosanthes montevidensis was the only species that had its physical dormancy broken when exposed to 120ºC. The seeds of all the other species were neither stimulated nor killed by high temperatures. Although the exposure to high temperatures did not affect the germination of the study species (except for one), it also did not kill seeds, thereby showing that seeds are resistant to fire. Therefore, the rapid passage of fire in these grasslands is not sufficient to break the dormancy of most of the studied species of legumes.

The superhydrophobic paper containing CMC, HAP and ZnO was prepared by a novel and facile method with eco-environmental and modifier-free process. The superhydrophobic property is effectively controlled by different amount of ZnO, which might be effect of surface roughness of the paper. Except for the common performances, such as self-cleaning property, chemical durability and mechanical abrasion durability, the excellent thermal stability and anti-bacterial properties will dramatically extend the practical applications of the paper. In addition, such paper still maintains its superhydrophobicity after flammable oil adsorption-combustion, further validating its excellent fire-resistant property. The combination of superhydrophobicity and flame retardancy can largely enhance the durability of the paper. These characteristics make the multifunctional paper a better candidate than the commercial paper, which may be a breakthrough in paper-making industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymer has been synthesized by the activation of blastfurnace steel slag (GGBFS) using 6% (NaOH) or 3% NaOH + 3% Na 2 SiO 3 . The geopolymer obtained in both cases exhibits an amorphous homogeneous and tightly-packed structure as well as a high compressive strength exceeding, that obtained by conventional mortar. In testing the response toward elevated temperatures it has been found that the geopolymer formed using 3% NH + % NS as activator reveals high stability and fire resistance where it retains high strength values even upon exposure to temperatures up to 500 °C. The results clarify, also, that the geopolymer possesses stability and fire resistance higher than those exerted by normal concrete. The current study indicated the feasibility of the alkali – activated BFS geopolymer as a fire resistant coat substituting the reinforced concrete coat to lightweight polystyrene panels used for walls, roofs and partitions in construction work. Such introduced coat offers the following merits relative to the reinforced concrete coat: lower density, higher strength, higher fire-resistance, free of steel mesh reinforcement and reduced cost. The results of the present investigation clarify that geopolymerization could be considered as a viable technology for the conversion of industrial by-products having an aluminosilicate composition into attractive construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are highly worthwhile for constructing high-energy-density lithium metal batteries (LMBs) because of their good flexibility and manufacturability. But, it is still challenging to prepare GPEs with excellent electrochemical performance, good flame retardancy, and good compatibility with electrodes for safe and dendrite-free LMBs application. Herein, a well-designed GPE with three-dimensional (3D) crosslinking network containing –C N and -PO(OC 2 H 5) 2 functional groups (3D -ADCL) with synergistic effect is prepared via thermal-initiated in-situ polymerization. Concretely, the -PO(OC 2 H 5) 2 segment enhances the flame resistance of polymer electrolyte, and the –C N segment grants improved Li-ion conductivity. In addition, the 3D crosslinking networks in the whole LMBs are incredibly favorable for improving the physical stability of both polymer electrolyte membrane/electrode bulks and electrolyte/electrode interface. Furthermore, the 3D -ADCL-based polymer electrolyte (3D -ADCL-PE) demonstrates an enhanced Li-ion transference number (t L i +) of 0.58 because the –C N groups possess strong coordination with Li-ion and electrostatic repulsion with PF 6 − anion. It is also confirmed that the –C N group can enable the formation of stable Li 3 N-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and high-quality cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layers to inhibit Li dendrite growth and stabilize the LiFePO 4 cathode, respectively. Consequently, the 3D -ADCL-PE based LiFePO 4 /Li cells exhibit a remarkable capacity of 106.4 mA h g−1 at 6 C-rate with a high capacity retention of 90.3% after long 1000 cycles. [Display omitted] • A multifunctional GPE is designed by in-situ method enabling high-performance LMBs. • An integrated cell structure with good electrode-electrolyte interface is developed. • Mechanical and electrochemical properties of the GPEs are significantly improved. • The fire-resistant and thermal performances of the GPEs are also enhanced. • LiFePO 4 /Li cells with the GPEs run stably under 6 C for 1000 cycles at 25 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the fast developments of large-space multi-functional architectures, large-span steel structures have been widely used in recent years. Therefore, the fire-resistance design of this kind of structures has attracted more attentions. Since traditional ISO834 standard fire curve is not suitable for large space structures, performance-based fire resistance design method is required. This paper presents the comprehensive case studies on the fire performance of a large space exhibition centre in Shanxi province, China under real fire scenarios including heating and cooling phases. The non-uniform fire temperature fields of the large space exhibition centre for the designed fire scenarios have been generated by using Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS). A finite element (FE) model has been developed using FE software ANSYS for modelling the structural behaviour of the exhibition centre under different fire scenarios. Based on the results generated in this research some recommendations for the fire resistance design of large space steel truss structures have been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Selective absorption of oils by macroporous solid absorbents has been regarded as an easy, environment-friendly and economical way to gather oils for oil-water separation, oil contamination cleanup and easy transport/storage. Cheap absorbent material with high oil-absorption performance is a key factor to promote its large-scale application. RESULTS Highly oil-absorptive and water-repellent carbonized asphalt-melamine sponges ( AMS) have been prepared via a dip-coated sponge carbonization process, using deoiled asphalt ( DOA) as dip-coating reagent and melamine sponge ( MS) as template. By the combination of DOA-derived surface modification and mild carbonization at 600°C, the AMS products obtained such key properties as low density, highly selective absorption of oils against water, flexibility, good fire-resistance and thermal stability, and good recyclability. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that AMS can be a promising oil-absorbent material applicable to oil pollution control on a water surface. Benefiting from both cheap raw materials and facile economical manufacturing process, the approach proposed can contribute to the mass manufacturing of cheap oil-absorbent products with high oil-absorption performance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of bio-based polymers will be beneficial to reducing carbon emissions. The biobased fiber-reinforced biobased epoxy resin can prepare fully-biobased polymer composites. However, their flame retardation will become a challenging issue. Here, fire-retardant ramie fabrics surface-modified by ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and polyethyleneimine were integrated into an epoxy system followed by fabricating high-performance composites. Notably, the epoxy resin composite with 8.9 % flame retardant displays a UL-94 V-0 rating. Besides, EP/(MF-2) exhibits a remarkably decreased peak of heat release rate (285 kW/m2) in contrast to pristine fabric-reinforced epoxy resin composite (608 kW/m2) from the cone calorimeter test. The improved flame-retardant performance follows the mechanism of the catalytic dehydration and charring effect by phosphorus-containing acids from the degradation of APP. Furthermore, flexural strength of EP/(MF-2) increases by 29 %, compared with neat EP, indicating obvious reinforcement of ramie fabric. [Display omitted] • Flame-retardant ramie fabrics were fabricated with LBL assembly of APP and PEI. • Flame-retardant ramie fabrics/bio-based epoxy resin composites were prepared. • High mechanical strength was endowed to composites by ramie fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Super-hydrophobic and fire-retardant coatings have been applied to the bamboo surface. However, it remains a significant challenge to develop coating materials that perform multiple functions simultaneously. In this paper, a novel conductive bamboo timber (RGO@AgBT), coated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and silver nanoparticles, was fabricated via a hydrothermal process and a silver mirror reaction process. The RGO@AgBT composites had excellent photo-catalytic activity, meanwhile, the removal rate of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), and methyl orange (MO) after 60 min photo-degradation were 77.6 %, 88.8 %, and 78.4 %, respectively, superior to the raw bamboo timber (BT) and the bamboo timber coated with reduced graphene oxide (RGOBT). The RGO@AgBT samples showed excellent antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the RGO@AgBT samples exhibited improved thermal stability and fire-resistant property with a limiting oxygen index of 30.5 %. Finally, the future directions of multifunctional bamboo research and opportunities for electronic industry application are prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of epoxy thermosets derived from biomasses with intrinsic flame retardancy and high mechanical performances is of increasing demand. Here we synthesize a novel epoxy monomer (DGEFA) from ferulic acid that can be directly obtained from many plants and offers intrinsic flame retardancy due to its conjugation structure. By using 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) as a curing agent, the cured epoxy resin (DGEFA-DDM) possesses a high glass transition temperature (178.5 °C). The DGEFA-DDM also exhibits high mechanical performances, i.e., tensile strength of 84.7 MPa and flexural strength of 145.1 MPa. Besides, the DGEFA-DDM presents a char yield of 40.6 % under N 2 , a V-1 rating of UL-94 and a limiting oxygen index of 32.8 %. The cone calorimeter test shows that the DGEFA-DDM has low heat and smoke release performances with a total heat release of 49.2 MJ/m2 and a total smoke production of 16.0 m2, indicating a high intrinsic flame retardancy. This work provides a simple way for the preparation of epoxy resins from bio-based feedstocks possessing physical properties and fire safeties. A bio-based feedstock, ferulic acid, is employed to prepare an epoxy resin possessing low flammability, high Tg and mechanical properties. [Display omitted] • A ferulic acid-derivative epoxy monomer was synthesized. • The cured epoxy resin showed high thermal and mechanical performances. • The epoxy resin had inherent flame retardancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the third in series on fire-resistant laminated glass composites containing an intumescent silicate interlayer and studies the effect of reinforcing fibres on the intumescent behaviour of the silicate matrices. Two silicate matrices with different silica/metal oxide ratios (SiO2:Na2O) were reinforced by polypropylene (PP), polyamide 66 (PA66), AR-glass (ARG) and stainless steel (ST) fibres, selected because of their alkali and UVA resistant properties. Thermal degradative behaviour of fibre/silicate mixtures having 5/95 and 10/100 mass ratios were examined to understand the effect of each fibre type on the intumescence of each silicate. Fibre reinforcements of the silicate layer were either as a nonwoven web or as a woven mesh. The intumescent properties of silicates were studied by heating the composites in a furnace at 450 °C for five minutes and measuring the intumescent layer thickness. The results showed that all fibre types in nonwoven web reinforcements had a negative effect while inorganic glass fibre in a woven mesh form had a negligible effect on the overall intumescence of silicate matrices. It was proposed that while fibre type was of minor importance, the fabric structure played an important role in inhibiting intumescence. Preferred reinforcement should preferably have open mesh-like characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a numerical model and a method of its construction and verifi cation, as well as the results of calculations of the distribution of nonstationary temperatures of structures with the example of analysis of the thermal state of complex load-carrying metal elements of awnings over the stands of the ″Olimpiiskii″stadium (Kiev) under the conditions of three scenarios of possible fi res. We have estimated the fi re-resistance of these structures using the field method (CFD technology) realized with the aid of ANSYS FLUENT and FDS computer programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the number of terror-and explosion-related incidents associated with military and terrorist activities is increasing globally, the existing design procedure for civil infrastructures does not consider a protective design for extreme loading scenarios such as blast, impact, and fire loading. Major infrastructure, for example bridges, tunnels, prestressed concrete containment vessels (PCCVs), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks are often constructed using prestressed concrete, because it enhances the structural capacity. Concrete is often used as a construction material because of its low thermal conductivity, which makes it a good fire resistant material. However, the fire-resistant behavior of the high-strength concrete (HSC) and prestressing (PS) tendons used in prestressed concrete (PSC) is different than that of ordinary reinforced concrete (RC). Also, there has been limited research comparing PSC to RC under extreme loading conditions. This study presents experimental testing of unbonded bi-directionally prestressed concrete panels with dimensions 1000×1400×300 mm 3 that were tested under RABT fire loading to simulate a jet aircraft crash-fire accident. A prestressing force of 430 kN was applied to the PSC specimens using unbonded threaded bars. After a RABT fire test, residual flexural strength tests were performed on the fire-damaged PSC and on RC specimens for comparison. Results of the RABT fire and residual flexural strength tests indicated that the fire-damaged PSC specimens showed severe thermal spalling damage induced by PS relaxation and deterioration of strength/stiffness, respectively. These study results can be used as basic research data for future research in numerical simulation of fire and the design of PSC structures under the fire scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The fire resistance performance of five types of organic thermal insulation materials was evaluated. • The fire resistance performance of the insulation was analyzed in various ways. • The hazardous gases emitted during the combustion of the insulation material were quantitatively analyzed. • The fractional effective dose, which makes it the lethal concentration, was analyzed. • The PIR and SPU insulation groups were analyzed for their susceptibility to fire. Traditionally, insulation materials have been developed to prevent heat loss or gain in buildings. Polymer compounds such as polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyethylene have been used to improve the performance of insulation materials during the modern industrialization process. However, because most insulating materials based on complex organic chemicals are combustible, they are susceptible to fire, and there are limitations such as the emission of harmful chemicals. The reason for the high number of casualties caused by insulation materials in building fires is that insulation materials based on complex chemical substances generate a large number of toxic gases, which causes suffocation. Therefore, the fire resistance performance of five types of insulation materials used in actual construction sites was evaluated in this study. Based on the total heat release (THR) and heat release rate (HRR), phenolic foam (PF) was the insulation material that satisfied the criteria of the non-combustible grade as a result of the flame-retardant performance evaluation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to perform a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of gaseous hazardous substances generated during the combustion of insulating materials by ISO 19702. The Fractional effective dose (FED) value was derived using the results of the analyses of eight gases by ISO 13344. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates an alternative solid waste management option for Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) waste commonly called "pure water sachet" as partial replacement of sand in concrete. Three mix ratios of 1:1:2, 1:1.5:3, 1:2:4 were used while the LDPE waste materials were obtained within University of Lagos campus, in Lagos State of Nigeria. The pulverized LDPE plastic waste, with compacted and uncompacted bulk densities of 362.9 kg/m³ and 403.23 kg/m³ respectively, could be classified as an ultra-lightweight fine aggregate in terms of bulk density. The bulk density of the plastic concretes produced using 1:1:2, 1:1.5:3 and 1:2:4 range between 2417.78-2548 kg/m³, 2348.63-2589.63 kg/m³, 2429.63-2424.6 kg/m³ respectively with corresponding compressive strengths range of 22.64-34.26, 20.47-27.32 and 20.21-27.47 N/mm² and could be classified as normal-weight concrete which meets the minimum compressive strength for use as lightweight aggregate in plain concrete (7N/mm²). The optimum and preferable mix is 1:1:2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SIPEs) are promising separator/electrolyte materials in lithium metal batteries (LMBs) owing to their high lithium-ion transference numbers. However, the low ion conductivity and poor interfacial compatibility limit their practical application. The effective structural design and the highly porous membrane preparation are of significance for surmounting above issues. Here, a high-performance fire-resistant phosphine based SIPE with semi-interpenetrating polymer network is designed and its highly porous electrospun nanofiber membrane (nf -sIPN-PECB) is subsequently prepared. After interpenetrated by 1 M LiPF 6 in EC/PC electrolyte, the nf -sIPN-PECB/1M LiPF 6 in EC/DMC electrolyte delivers ultrahigh ion conductivity of 2.5 mS cm−1 and excellent interfacial compatibility for achieving LiFePO 4 cathode LMB with a high discharge capacity of 166 mA h g−1 at 0.1C and 110 mA h g−1 at 6.0C. Moreover, the nf -sIPN-PECB/1M LiPF 6 in EC/DMC electrolyte demonstrates a high lithium-ion transference number of 0.64, endowing LMBs with excellent inhabitation of lithium dendrite growth. Therefore, ultra-long lifespan of 1000 cycles for the LMBs with ignorable capacity decay was successfully achieved. Furthermore, the good fire-retardant, high thermal dimensional stability and excellent flexibility drag LMBs out of severe safety hazards. A high-performance fire-resistant phosphine based SIPE (Li-PECB) with semi-interpenetrating polymer network is well-designed for simultaneously achieving the excellent fire-retardancy, good mechanical strength and enhanced ionic conductivity of the highly porous electrospun nanofiber membrane (nf -sIPN-PECB). The molecular-scale mixture between PVDF-HFP binder and Li-PECB is successfully approached during in-situ polymerization process. [Display omitted] • 3D IPNs of highly porous electrospun nanofiber membrane was prepared. • The porous electrospun nanofiber membrane displays enhanced mechanical strength due to 3D IPNs. • The nf -sIPN-PECB display uniform morphology and molecular level dispersion of components. • The enhanced lithium ion transference number was obtained for suppress lithium dendrite growth. • The promising elevated temperature cell performance with high coulombic efficiency was successfully obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To evaluate the fire-resistance of large space buildings, smoke temperature distribution in large space fires is one of the required conditions for determining the temperature elevation history in structures. However, full scale fire experiments on large space building in State Key Laboratory of Fire Science in China revealed that the fire temperature distribution in large space fires are different with that in small compartment fires. In order to standardize the hot smoke temperature in localized fire, a number of ventilated fire scenarios are designed with ceiling height ranging 4–20m high, floor area ranging 500–6000m2 and the rate of heat release ranging 2–25MW. A wide range of result from a series of large space fire scenarios simulated by FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator), revealed three important facts. Firstly, temperature distributions throughout the large space fire are non-uniform and pole asymmetric from the fire source. Secondly, the key factors i.e. fire growth type, heat release rate, dimension of internal space and fire area have significant influence on the temperature distribution. Thirdly, with the increase of heat release rate, the maximum temperature is higher and with the increase of the floor area or the internal space height, the maximum temperature is lower. The temperature decays from the plume centerline in horizontal plane. Finally, a new parameter equation that represents the non-uniform fire temperature distribution as a function of time and key factors has been developed by parametric analysis method based on results from numerical tests by using FDS. The new parameter equation agrees well with the numerical test and can be used as the temperature boundary conditions for the lumped differential formulation, from which the transient temperature in elements can be derived. In the meantime this equation can be available for global structural analysis exposed to localized fires. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel phosphorus- and silica-containing hybrid (DPS) was synthesized by the reaction between diethyl phosphate (DEP) and polyhedral oligomeric siloxanes (POS) formed by hydrolysis condensation of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The novel phosphorus- and silica-containing hybrid was characterized by the flourier transform infrared spectroscope (FT-IR), silicon nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Then, the determination of the activation of the reaction between epoxy resin and phosphorus-, and silica-containing hybrids was studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In the presence of catalyst, the activation energies of the curing reaction were 63.3 and 66.7 kJ/mol calculated by Kissinger model and Ozawa model respectively. The thermal and flame retardant properties of the cured epoxy modified by DPS were determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and limited oxygen index (LOI). The results revealed that those properties were improved in comparison with unmodified epoxy resin. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the cured epoxy resin modified by DPS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]