Examining the combustion hazards of polyacrylonitrile-based stabilizing fiber insulation with cellulose adhesive

Numerous studies are exploring methodologies to enhance flame resistance and minimize the emission of toxic gases and chemicals from building materials in the event of a fire, aiming to mitigate risks and save lives. To that end, this study produced an insulation material using stabilized fiber based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Stabilized fiber provides flame retardancy by forming aromatic bonds in existing PAN fiber through heat treatment. To manufacture an insulation material with fiber, a separate adhesive is needed to maintain the shape, and cellulose was selected as the adhesive. Cellulose is an environmentally friendly material that can be obtained from natural sources and has the additional advantages of excellent stability and heat resistance. For this study, PAN-based stabilizing fiber (PSF) insulation was prepared and further processed using cellulose adhesive (PSF-C). Combustion experiments and gas analysis were performed to assess the combustion risks of the developed PSF insulation, and the contents of the hazardous gases and smoke generated were measured. The hazardous gases and smoke released during combustion were considerably reduced, and the heat resistance of the insulation was improved. Furthermore, the pyrolysis reaction and thermal stability were investigated. The results demonstrated a substantial reduction in the combustion hazards associated with the PSF when cellulose was used, i.e., PSF-C was used. The findings of this study are expected to substantially contribute to advancing the practical applicability of PSF-C insulating materials and the development of safe building and fire prevention systems.

Graphical abstract

We developed PAN-based stabilized fiber insulation to enhance fire safety and minimize human casualties. We utilized an eco-friendly cellulose adhesive for structural integrity and studied its fire-safety properties, including HCN emissions. The developed insulation with cellulose adhesive (PSF-C) significantly reduced HCN emissions compared with a PAN insulator alone (PSF). PSF-C reduces human casualties