Glassy-state coatings based on B2O3-SiO2 crosslinked networks: Simultaneous flame retardancy, thermal insulation, and mechanical reinforcement of polystyrene

IF 7.4 2区化学 Q1 POLYMER SCIENCE

Polymer Degradation and Stability Pub Date : 2025-09-23 DOI:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111690

Wei Zhang , Wantong Jiang , Zhixin Yang , Yifu Xiang , Bin Li , Linlin Zhang , Jinzhang Jia

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study presents an advanced flame-retardant system based on the synergistic effect between boric acid anhydride (B₂O₃) and nano-silica (SiO₂) for building insulation applications. Combining molecular dynamics simulations with experimental analyses, we demonstrate that thermal dehydration of boric acid (>130 °C) produces B₂O₃, which subsequently reacts with SiO₂ above 600 °C to form a protective borosilicate glass (Si-O-B) layer that encapsulates expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). At an optimal mass ratio of 1:2, the composite exhibits exceptional fire performance, achieving a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 35.9 % and a Underwriters Laboratories Standard 94 (UL-94) V-0 rating. The system also shows a 52.6 % reduction in peak heat release rate(PHRR) and a 69.8 % reduction in total heat release rate (THR), along with significant smoke suppression (70 % reduction in smoke density) and improved mechanical properties (95 % increase in compressive strength). The flame-retardant mechanism involves dual-phase action: quenching free radicals in the gas phase and forming a continuous glass barrier in the condensed phase. Moreover, the system maintains excellent water resistance after prolonged immersion. This innovative approach offers a robust solution for enhancing the fire safety of EPS insulation in construction.

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基于B2O3-SiO2交联网络的玻璃态涂层：聚苯乙烯的同时阻燃、隔热和机械增强

提出了一种基于硼酸酐（B2O3）和纳米二氧化硅（SiO2）协同作用的新型建筑保温阻燃体系。结合分子动力学模拟和实验分析，我们证明硼酸（>130°C）的热脱水产生B2O3， B2O3随后与600°C以上的SiO2反应形成硼硅酸盐玻璃（Si-O-B）保护层，封装膨胀聚苯乙烯泡沫（EPS）。在1:2的最佳质量比下，复合材料表现出卓越的防火性能，达到35.9%的极限氧指数（LOI）和Underwriters Laboratories Standard 94 (UL-94) V-0等级。该系统还显示峰值热释放率（PHRR）降低52.6%，总热释放率（THR）降低69.8%，同时显着抑制烟雾（烟雾密度降低70%）和改善机械性能（抗压强度提高95%）。阻燃机理涉及双相作用：在气相中猝灭自由基，在凝聚相中形成连续的玻璃屏障。此外，该系统在长时间浸泡后仍保持优异的耐水性。这种创新的方法为提高EPS保温材料在建筑中的防火安全性提供了一个强有力的解决方案。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Polymer Degradation and Stability 化学-高分子科学

CiteScore

10.10

自引率

10.20%

发文量

325

审稿时长

23 days

期刊介绍： Polymer Degradation and Stability deals with the degradation reactions and their control which are a major preoccupation of practitioners of the many and diverse aspects of modern polymer technology. Deteriorative reactions occur during processing, when polymers are subjected to heat, oxygen and mechanical stress, and during the useful life of the materials when oxygen and sunlight are the most important degradative agencies. In more specialised applications, degradation may be induced by high energy radiation, ozone, atmospheric pollutants, mechanical stress, biological action, hydrolysis and many other influences. The mechanisms of these reactions and stabilisation processes must be understood if the technology and application of polymers are to continue to advance. The reporting of investigations of this kind is therefore a major function of this journal. However there are also new developments in polymer technology in which degradation processes find positive applications. For example, photodegradable plastics are now available, the recycling of polymeric products will become increasingly important, degradation and combustion studies are involved in the definition of the fire hazards which are associated with polymeric materials and the microelectronics industry is vitally dependent upon polymer degradation in the manufacture of its circuitry. Polymer properties may also be improved by processes like curing and grafting, the chemistry of which can be closely related to that which causes physical deterioration in other circumstances.