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

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 on

SUBMITTER: Luo W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10978860 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature