() for Polymer Materials Ranking.

In 2019, we introduced () as a universal dimensionless index for the classification of flame-retardant polymer materials ( 2019, (3), 407). simply takes the peak of Heat Release Rate (pHRR), Total Heat Release (THR), and Time-To-Ignition () from cone calorimetry data and quantifies the flame retardancy performance of polymer composites with respect to the blank polymer (the reference sample) on a logarithmic scale, as of ( ˂ 10), (10 ≤ ˂ 10), or ( ≥ 10). Although initially applied to categorize thermoplastic composites, the versatility of was later verified upon analyzing several sets of data collected from investigations/reports on thermoset composites.

Isothermal Vulcanization and Non-Isothermal Degradation Kinetics of XNBR/Epoxy/XNBR-g-Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) Nanocomposites.

The effect of several concentrations of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) functionalized halloysite nanotubes (XHNTs) on the vulcanization and degradation kinetics of XNBR/epoxy compounds were evaluated using experimental and theoretical methods. The isothermal vulcanization kinetics were studied at various temperatures by rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results obtained indicated that the n order model could not accurately predict the curing performance.

Flame Retardant Polypropylenes: A Review.

Polypropylene (PP) is a commodity plastic known for high rigidity and crystallinity, which is suitable for a wide range of applications. However, high flammability of PP has always been noticed by users as a constraint; therefore, a variety of additives has been examined to make PP flame-retardant. In this work, research papers on the flame retardancy of PP have been comprehensively reviewed, classified in terms of flame retardancy, and evaluated based on the universal dimensionless criterion of ().

Flame Retardancy of Bio-Based Polyurethanes: Opportunities and Challenges.

Sustainable polymers are emerging fast and have received much more attention in recent years compared to petro-sourced polymers. However, they inherently have low-quality properties, such as poor mechanical properties, and inadequate performance, such as high flammability. In general, two methods have been considered to tackle such drawbacks: (i) reinforcement of sustainable polymers with additives; and (ii) modification of chemical structure by architectural manipulation so as to modify polymers for advanced applications.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber/Epoxy/XNBR-grafted Halloysite Nanotubes Nanocomposites.

The effect of various amounts of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) functionalized halloysite nanotubes (XHNTs) on the cure characteristics, mechanical and swelling behavior of XNBR/epoxy compounds was experimentally and theoretically investigated. The morphology of the prepared XNBR/epoxy/XHNTs nanocomposites was imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of various XNBR-grafted nanotubes on the damping factor of nanocomposites were evaluated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA).

Flame Retardant Epoxy Composites on the Road of Innovation: An Analysis with Flame Retardancy Index for Future Development.

Nowadays, epoxy composites are elements of engineering materials and systems. Although they are known as versatile materials, epoxy resins suffer from high flammability. In this sense, flame retardancy analysis has been recognized as an undeniable requirement for developing future generations of epoxy-based systems.