Two‐Step Polyelectrolyte Complex Coating for Flame Retardant Flax

• Published in: Macromolecular materials and engineering 2024-01, Vol.309 (1), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Rodriguez‐Melendez, Danixa, Smith, Dallin L., Fisher, Sarah G., Sonnier, Rodolphe, Vahabi, Henri, Grunlan, Jaime C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cellulose; Chemical Sciences; Citric acid; Coating; Coatings; Cotton fabrics; Differential scanning calorimetry; Enthalpy; Extinguishing; Fiber reinforcement; Fibers; Flame retardants; flame‐retardant; Flammability; Flax; flax fabric; Fourier transforms; Heat measurement; Heat release rate; Material chemistry; Mechanical properties; Morphology; natural fiber; Nitrogen; Photoelectron spectroscopy; Photoelectrons; polyelectrolyte complex; Polyelectrolytes; Polyethyleneimine; Pyrolysis; Scanning electron microscopy; Sonication; Spectrum analysis; Sustainable materials; Textiles
• ISSN: 1438-7492; 1439-2054
• DOI: 10.1002/mame.202300229

Flax fabric textile is of great interest as bio‐fiber reinforcement in composites, which has gained popularity due to the high demand for sustainable materials. Despite its sustainability, flax is inherently flammable. This study demonstrates a two‐step polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) coating that renders flax fabric self‐extinguishing. The PEC coating consists of polyethylenimine (PEI) and sodium hexametaphosphate (PSP), cured with a citric acid buffer. Sonication employed during the curing process improves the infiltration of the coating into the flax fibers and maintains the fabric's hand. When comparing non‐sonicated and sonicated flax samples, the latter achieves self‐extinguishing behavior and passes the vertical flame test. Pyrolysis‐combustion flow calorimetry reveals that this PEI/PSP coating (with sonication) reduces the peak heat release rate and total heat release by 40% and 67%, respectively. The intumescent mechanism is predominantly observed in the condensed phase, as suggested by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the two‐step PEC treatment with sonication effectively reduces the flammability of flax fabric, making it a promising option for the development of functional fibers, particularly for bio‐composite reinforcement. Flax fabric textile is of great interest as bio‐fiber reinforcement in composites; however, it is inherently flammable. A two‐step polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) coating, consisting of polyethylenimine and sodium hexametaphosphate (with sonication), is employed. This PEC treatment effectively reduces the flammability of flax fabric, making it a promising option for the development of functional fibers, particularly for bio‐composite reinforcement.