Graphene-based intumescent flame retardant on cotton fabric

We have developed functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) nanocomposites-based intumescent flame-retardant coating. The graphene surface was functionalized by potassium carbonate by reacting graphene oxide (GO) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3). The resultant coating improved the flame retardancy of the cotton fabric. The FGO nanocomposite-coated fabric was to prove the flame retardancy properties of the FGO nanocomposite, by detail flame tests such as limiting oxygen index, vertical flammability test and exposure to the Bunsen burner flame (similar to 1500 degrees C) test. FGO-coated material, when exposed to fire, was observed to maintain its original shape with the release of little smoke initially and later developed char-like material. Prepared materials were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The cotton fabric alone burnt in 5 s, but when coated with the FGO, it was able to withstand the fire for more than 325 s (5.25 min), whereas the only GO- and K2CO3-coated fabrics were completely burned out within 10 s and 20 s, respectively. This obtained FGO nanocomposite coating is proved to be an efficient flame retardant with an easy, simple one-pot and inexpensive technique in comparison with the reported works. Graphic abstract In this work, we have synthesized functionalized graphene nanocomposites, which act as an efficient flame retardant. The recent process established that this is a simple and eco-friendly method for efficient graphene-functionalized IFR.