Catalytic polymer self-cleavage for CO2 generation before combustion empowers materials with fire safety

Wei Luo, Ming-Jun Chen (), Ting Wang, Jin-Feng Feng, Zhi-Cheng Fu, Jin-Ni Deng, Yuan-Wei Yan, Yu-Zhong Wang and Hai-Bo Zhao ()
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Wei Luo: Xihua University
Ming-Jun Chen: Xihua University
Ting Wang: Xihua University
Jin-Feng Feng: Xihua University
Zhi-Cheng Fu: Xihua University
Jin-Ni Deng: Xihua University
Yuan-Wei Yan: Ltd.
Yu-Zhong Wang: Sichuan University
Hai-Bo Zhao: Sichuan University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Polymeric materials, rich in carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen elements, present substantial fire hazards to both human life and property due to their intrinsic flammability. Overcoming this challenge in the absence of any flame-retardant elements is a daunting task. Herein, we introduce an innovative strategy employing catalytic polymer auto-pyrolysis before combustion to proactively release CO2, akin to possessing responsive CO2 fire extinguishing mechanisms. We demonstrate that potassium salts with strong nucleophilicity (such as potassium formate/malate) can transform conventional polyurethane foam into materials with fire safety through rearrangement. This transformation results in the rapid generation of a substantial volume of CO2, occurring before the onset of intense decomposition, effectively extinguishing fires. The inclusion of just 1.05 wt% potassium formate can significantly raise the limiting oxygen index of polyurethane foam to 26.5%, increase the time to ignition by 927%, and tremendously reduce smoke toxicity by 95%. The successful application of various potassium salts, combined with a comprehensive examination of the underlying mechanisms, underscores the viability of this strategy. This pioneering catalytic approach paves the way for the efficient and eco-friendly development of polymeric materials with fire safety.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46756-0

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