Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: 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: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Nanotechnology , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The primary focus of this SBIR Phase I research project was to develop a nanocrystalline hydroxide as a flame retardant replacement for pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE). The nanocrystalline hydroxide powders were prepared using traditional sol-gel chemistry and characterized for composition, particle size, and particle morphology.
Several concentrations of the nanostructured flame retardant additive were incorporated in a polyurethane (PU) matrix. Flame spread characteristics were studied to determine the effect of the additive on total heat released and smoke produced during combustion. A commercial micron-sized flame retardant additive of the same composition also was added to PU in similar concentrations and tested for flame spread characteristics.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Cone calorimeter tests demonstrated that the nanocrystalline flame retardant additive was superior to its micron-sized commercial counterpart in peak heat of combustion, total heat release rate, and average carbon dioxide emitted during combustion.
Conclusions:
Addition of a nanocrystalline hydroxide can reduce the total heat released during the combustion of PU. By reducing the heat release and the heat transferred back to the polymer surface, the combustion cycle can be broken down effectively.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 4 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, nanotechnology, pentaBDE, PBDE, polybrominated diphenyl ether, public health, fire retardants, nanomaterials, nanohybrid fire resistant additive, fire management, EPA, flame retardant, polymers, nanocrystalline,, Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, nanomaterials, environmentally benign alternative, fire suppression, nanotechnology, flame retardant, PBDEThe 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.