Polymer nanocomposites have revolutionised material performance, most notably in the plastics, automotive and aerospace industries. However, in order to be commercially viable, many of these materials must withstand high temperatures. In this book, leaders in the field outline the mechanisms behind the generation of suitable polymer systems, pulling together recent research to provide a unified and up-to-date assessment of recent technological advancements. The text is divided into two clear sections, introducing the reader to the two most important requirements for this material type: thermal stability and flame retardancy. Special attention is paid to practical examples, walking the reader through the numerous commercial applications of thermally stable and flame retardant nanocomposites. With a strong focus on placing theory within commercial context, this unique volume will appeal to practitioners as well as researchers.

Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites takes a comprehensive look at polymer nanocomposites for flame retardancy applications and includes nanocomposite fundamentals (theory, design, synthesis, characterization) as well as polymer flammability fundamentals with emphasis on how nanocomposites affect flammability. The book has practical examples from literature, patents, and existing commercial products. Readers can design new work based upon the material in the book or use it as a handy reference for interpreting existing work and results.

Health and Environmental Safety of Nanomaterials addresses concerns about the impact of nanomaterials on the environment and human health, and examines the safety of specific nanomaterials. Understanding the unique chemical and physical properties of nanostructures has led to many developments in the applications of nanocomposite materials. While these materials have applications in a huge range of areas, their potential for toxicity must be thoroughly understood. Part one introduces the properties of nanomaterials, nanofillers, and nanocomposites, and questions whether they are more toxic than their bulk counterparts. Part two looks at the release and exposure of nanomaterials. The text covers sampling techniques and data analysis methods used to assess nanoparticle exposure, as well as protocols for testing the safety of polymer nanocomposites. It explains characterization techniques of airborne nanoparticles and life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials. Part three focuses on the safety of certain nanomaterials, including nanolayered silicates, carbon nanotubes, and metal oxides. In particular, it explores the potential ecotoxicological hazards associated with the different structures of carbon nanotubes and the safe recycling of inorganic and carbon nanoparticles. The final two chapters address the risks of nanomaterials in fire conditions: their thermal degradation, flammability, and toxicity in different fire scenarios. This is a scientific guide with technical background for professionals using nanomaterials in industry, scientists, academicians, research scholars, and polymer engineers. It also offers a deep understanding of the subject for undergraduate and postgraduate students. - Introduces the properties of nanomaterials, nanofillers, and nanocomposites, and questions whether they are more toxic than their bulk counterparts - Covers sampling techniques and data analysis methods used to assess nanoparticle exposure, as well as protocols for testing the safety of polymer nanocomposites - Explores the potential ecotoxicological hazards associated with the different structures of carbon nanotubes and the safe recycling of inorganic and carbon nanoparticles

A one-stop, practical handbook containing all of the current commercial non-halogenated flame retardant technologies as well as experimental systems near commercialization In response to the emphasis on replacing halogenated flame retardants with alternate technologies, this handbook focuses on existing non-halogenated flame retardants and the experimental close-to-production systems that are available today. The Non-Halogenated Flame Retardant Handbook starts with an overview of the regulations and customer perceptions driving non-halogenated flame retardant selections over older halogenated technologies. It then moves on to cover the known major classes of non-halogenated flame retardants, before concluding with the current niche-performing technologies and untried commercial contenders of the future. The Non-Halogenated Flame Retardant Handbook: Takes a practical approach to addressing the narrow subject of non-halogenated flame retardancy—placing more emphasis on flame retardant selection for specific plastics, practical considerations in flame retardant material design, and the various technologies’ strengths and limits Focuses on the proper use of non-halogenated flame retardants, rather than the mechanics of how they work Discusses important future trends in flame retardancy Features sections written by industrial and chemical experts who know how to apply the technology to polymers for fire safety needs

This book focuses on flame retardants (FR) for textile materials. It discusses basics of flame retardancy and flammability and covers various types of flame retardants and materials, including natural FRs, halogen, phosphorous, and nanomaterial-based FRs. This book also discusses methods of applications of FRs and discusses FRs and the environment. Covers a variety of interdisciplinary applications in the textile industry Emphasizes environmental aspects Reports on a large number of FR compounds studied globally Discusses in detail recent developments in halogen-free eco-friendly flame retardants Extensively describes basic aspects of flame retardancy and their measurements Aimed at the practitioner and textile engineering professional this work aims to ensure development of safe textile materials for various uses, including apparel, protective wear, floor coverings, upholstery, drapery, and others.

Flame Retardant Polymeric Materials provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field, from basic properties and mechanisms of action for flame retardants to emerging methods, materials, and industrial applications. With over 120 black and white images, Hu and Wang cover the latest in the development of novel polymer nanocomposites such as graphene, CNTs, LDHs, POSS, and techniques such as layer-by-layer assembly. These expert authors also include discussions on the important flame-retardant systems based on phosphorus, silicon, and boron. In doing so, they highlight the use of flame-retardants in varying industries, for example, construction, textiles, and aviation. This comprehensive handbook is an essential read for students and academics of physics with a particular interest in flame-retardant materials. It would also be recommended for professionals within the materials science and engineering fields.

This highlights ongoing research efforts on different aspects of polymer nanocomposites and explores their potentials to exhibit multi-functional properties. In this context, it addresses both fundamental and advanced concepts, while delineating the parameters and mechanisms responsible for these potentials. Aspects considered include embrittlement/toughness; wear/scratch behaviour; thermal stability and flame retardancy; barrier, electrical and thermal conductivity; and optical and magnetic properties. Further, the book was written as a coherent unit rather than a collection of chapters on different topics. As such, the results, analyses and discussions presented herein provide a guide for the development of a new class of multi-functional nanocomposites. Offering an invaluable resource for materials researchers and postgraduate students in the polymer composites field, they will also greatly benefit materials

This book focuses on the chemistry and applications of flame retardants for polymers and other materials. It starts with a description and types of flame retardants, as well as their properties and chemical structures, to include chlorine- and bromine-containing flame retardants, phosphorus-based flame retardants, nitrogen-based flame retardants, and silicones. Inorganic materials that serve as flame retardants, such as boron-based additives, graphenes, and others are discussed in detail. In addition, the following subjects are discussed in detail: Flame retardant polymers The mechanisms of flame retardants, such as flame cooling, synergetic effects, degradation of flame retardants, and others Other flame retardant compositions, such as dripping inhibitors and smoke suppressants Testing methods for flame retardants, international standards, human health hazards, such as smoke toxicity and problems with wastes Synthesis and fabrication methods, as well as recycling methods The application of flame retardants to the coating material using 3D printing, reactive coating, and bulk addition methods Non-burning comonomers, foams, nanocomposites and bio-based materials Flame retardants with other textiles, such as wool and electrical applications such as batteries

Polymers have infiltrated almost every aspect of modern technology, as they have wide applications ranging from building insulation and firefighter uniforms to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and electronics packaging. However, common polymers are flammable. Inflammability and thermal insulation properties in polymers are important for specific applications. This book discusses recent advances in developing eco-friendly, flame-retardant, and thermally insulative polymer-based materials. It not only focuses on developments of high-performance flame retardants, but also examines flame retardant behaviors in polymers. Eco-friendly polymers with superior flame retardancy, extraordinary thermal insulation, and excellent mechanical strength will provide new opportunities for existing and future applications.

This book provides an overview of the latest scientific developments and technological advances in two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials for fire-safe polymers. It summarizes the preparation methods for diverse types of 2D nanomaterials and their polymer composites and reviews their flame-retardant properties, toxic gas and smoke emission during combustion, and inhibition strategies. Covers fundamental aspects like influence of size and dispersion of 2D nanomaterials to help readers develop efficient, multi-functional, and ecofriendly fire-safe polymer composites for a wide range of applications Discusses new-emerging 2D nanomaterials for fire-safe polymer applications, including MXenes, graphitic carbon nitride, boron nitride, and black phosphorus Introduces basic modes of flame retardant action of 2D nanomaterials, including smoke and toxic gas suppression, and the role of 2D nanomaterials in promoting char formation This book is suitable for both scholars and engineers in the fields of polymer science and engineering. It is also aimed at graduate students in chemistry, materials, and safety science and engineering.