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Supramolecular Poly(cyclotriphosphazene) Functionalized Graphene Oxide/Polypropylene Composites with Simultaneously Improved Thermal Stability, Flame Retardancy, and Viscoelastic Properties

Malkappa, Kuruma; Salehiyan, Reza; Ray, Suprakas Sinha

Authors

Kuruma Malkappa

Reza Salehiyan

Suprakas Sinha Ray



Abstract

A novel crosslinkable supramolecular poly(cyclotriphosphazene) functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) is synthesized and melt-processed with polypropylene (PP), which results in a PP composite with simultaneously improved flame retardancy, smoke-suppression, and thermal and viscoelastic properties. The cone-calorimetry test results reveal that the peak heat-release rate and total heat release of the composite (2 wt% FGO) are reduced by 39.7% and 29.9%, respectively, compared to those of the neat PP. Meanwhile, the total smoke released and total smoke production of PP are significantly (42.7% and 34.9%, respectively) reduced after composite formation with 2 wt% FGO. Similarly, the PP/FGO composite shows an improved maximum weight loss temperature of 392.4 °C, compared to that of neat PP (361.4 °C). Thermogravimetric Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) analysis further confirms that the composite reduces the evolution of the flammable components and toxic gases, especially CO gas, indicating that the FGO significantly decreases the fire hazards of the PP. The thermomechanical and melt-rheological analyses reveal that the composite has higher mechanical stiffness and viscoelastic properties than the neat polymer. In summary, FGO is shown to have potential as an advanced additive to obtain PP composites with multifunctional properties; however, higher FGO loading would be needed to improve UL-94 rating from V-2 to V-0.

Citation

Malkappa, K., Salehiyan, R., & Ray, S. S. (2020). Supramolecular Poly(cyclotriphosphazene) Functionalized Graphene Oxide/Polypropylene Composites with Simultaneously Improved Thermal Stability, Flame Retardancy, and Viscoelastic Properties. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 305(8), Article 2000207. https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202000207

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Jul 1, 2020
Publication Date 2020-08
Deposit Date Jan 30, 2023
Journal Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
Print ISSN 1438-7492
Publisher Wiley-VCH Verlag
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 305
Issue 8
Article Number 2000207
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202000207
Keywords composites; crosslinkable supramolecular poly(cyclotriphosphazene) functionalized graphene oxide; multifunctional properties; polypropylene