Flame-retardant nanocoating towards high-efficiency suppression of smoke and toxic gases for polymer foam

In this study, we demonstrate an environmentally friendly and facile flame-retardant nanocoating that can effectively suppress smoke and toxic gas release in fire for flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF). In this water-based functional coating system, nanoporous sepiolite nanofibers are wrapped by phytic aid to have a negative charge, and then together with the positively charged CH, are stably deposited onto the surface of FPUF through Layer by-Layer assembly. Only one bilayer of CH/SEP@PA coating can significantly reduce the peak heat release rate by 46%. The smoke density and the peak production of toxic CO and NOx have been greatly decreased by 77%, 52%, and 65%, and it shows an excellent extinguishing performance and easily passes the vertical burning test. Further, the nanocoating has little effect on the mechanical properties. This work provides a new strategy for the design of flame-retardant coatings with high-efficiency suppression of smoke and toxic gases for polymer foams.

Automated summary

In this study, a environmentally friendly and simple flame-retardant nanocoating for flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) is demonstrated. The nanocoating effectively suppresses smoke and toxic gas release in fire. It reduces peak heat release rate, smoke density, and production of toxic gases, showing excellent extinguishing performance.