Synthesis and Characterization of New Eco-Friendly Fire-Retardants Based on Soda-Silicate Glass

  • Ngoc N. Nguyen School of Chemical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
  • Vinh T. La School of Chemical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
  • Thanh X. Le School of Chemical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
  • Suong T. Huynh School of Chemical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Keywords: Charred layer, Fire-retardant, Fireproof, Flame-retardant, Green Fire-Retardant

Abstract

Fire-retardants (FRs) are additives used to improve the fire-resistance of combustible materials. New generations of FRs must be effective and eco-friendly. Traditional inorganic FRs are non-hazardous but have limited fire-retardancy. Here, we aim to develop an innovative way to enhance the fire-retardancy of inorganic FRs. We synthesized a new type of FRs, called mATH, whose compositions are similar to soda-silicate glass (xNa2O.yK2O.zSiO2.tAl2O3). When applied to unsaturated polyester resin, mATH showed a much better performance than traditional aluminum trihydroxide (ATH). The better performance of mATH originated from its new working mechanism. Dehydrated mATH, as a soda-silicate glass, melts under the heat of the fire, which causes heat sink and produces a molten glass. The molten glass forms a charred insulating layer that prevents oxygen from contacting the interior combustible materials. This phenomenon significantly contributes to the fire-retarding behavior of mATH. Our findings open a new method for developing effective eco-friendly FRs.

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Published
2020-12-31
How to Cite
Nguyen, N. N., La, V. T., Le, T. X., & Huynh, S. T. (2020). Synthesis and Characterization of New Eco-Friendly Fire-Retardants Based on Soda-Silicate Glass. ASEAN Journal of Chemical Engineering, 20(2), 120-129. Retrieved from https://journal.ugm.ac.id/v3/AJChE/article/view/9119
Section
Articles