One of the most effective methods for reducing flammability is the generation of carbonaceous char.  In this project, cellulose is modified by adding phosphorous and nitrogen containing groups to attach an acidic and gas forming agent to the fibers.  The modified celluloses will be blended with poly(lactic acid) to produce nano-composites with improved flame resistance through the generation of char.  This modification is mainly to avoid using powders like ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol, which tend to reduce the mechanical strength and stiffness of composites.  To study the interfacial properties of the composites, we are investigating new greener routes to thermally stable fluorescently labeled cellulose.  The modified celluloses are examined using FTIR and elemental analysis.  Thermal stabilities are measured using TGA.  DSC is used to characterize the thermal behavior of the composites.  The effects on the intumescing characteristics and flammability behavior of the composites will be discussed.

Modification of cellulose using N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl) ammonium chloride and phosphoric acid for flame retardant applications in poly(lactic acid)

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.