Bio-based flame retardant macromolecules combined with nanoclay DK4 for fireproofing and toughening of polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT)

Shenghe Zhang (Co-first Author), Zhimin Song (Co-first Author), Bibo Wang*, Richard K.K. Yuen*, Yuan Hu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

In this study, an organic macromolecular flame-retardant quaternary ammonium salt (OCA-HP-LA) was synthesized through molecular design and its structure was characterized. Subsequently, it was mixed with nano clay (DK4) and poly (butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) by melt blending to prepare PBAT/DK4/OCA-HP-LA nanocomposite. The tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) of the sample PBAT/DK4/OCA-HP-LA 5 wt% were 23.3 MPa and 1362 %, respectively, which were higher than the pure sample. This indicates that the addition of OCA-HP-LA enabled complete delamination of the DK4 flakes, achieving true nanocomposite., which can be confirmed by transmission electron microscopy results. The PHRR of the modified samples was significantly reduced, notably, the SPR and TSP of the sample PBAT/DK4/OCA-HP-LA 5 wt% were 0.127 m2/s and 7.86 m2, which were 40.4 % and 47.1 % lower than those of the pure PBAT. Therefore, OCA-HP-LA achieves a multi-dimensional improvement in the mechanical and fire safety properties of PBAT. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Article number102317
JournalComposites Communications
Volume55
Online published19 Feb 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2025

Research Keywords

  • Flame/fire retardancy
  • Mechanical properties
  • Microstructural analysis
  • Nano clay

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