Grantee Research Project Results
Nano Structured Flame Retardant Replacement for PentaBDE
EPA Contract Number: EPD06048Title: Nano Structured Flame Retardant Replacement for PentaBDE
Investigators: Radhakrishnan, R.
Small Business: Materials Modification Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2006) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Nanotechnology , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Unregulated dioxin-like polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), in particular pentaBDE, commonly used as a fire retardant in furniture foam and plastic consumer goods, is spreading rapidly in the environment with levels in the human system doubling every 5 years. Although many European countries already have banned the use of pentaDBE in foams, there is a growing public demand in the United States to replace this chemical with more environmentally benign flame retardants.
In this Phase I effort, Materials Modifications, Inc. (MMI) proposes to employ the principles of nanotechnology to prepare a potent halogen-free, fire retardant additive that may be added to thermosetting plastics and foams to impart fire resistance to them without affecting the inherent properties of the plastics. MMI’s in-house experience and expertise with nanomaterials will be employed in preparing the nanohybrid composite, and Phase I will prove the ability of the fire retardant additive in conferring fire resistance to polyurethane.
The nanohybrid fire resistant additive proposed will serve to overcome the shortcomings of existing materials such as toxic/halogenated compounds and chemicals that require high loading. The proposed synergy of nanochemistry and coating technology will unleash a plethora of new applications in addition to fine-tuning the existing expertise in the fields of fire management and control.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 4 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, nanotechnology, pentaDBE, PBDE, polybrominated diphenyl ether, public health, fire retardants, nanomaterials, nanohybrid fire resistant additive, fire management, EPA,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Sustainable Industry/Business, Environmental Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Environmental Engineering, nanotechnology, PBDE, flame retardant, fire suppression, alternative flame retardant, nanomaterialsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.