University project targets nano-tech for fire-proof elastomers

Mawson Lakes, Adelaide – The University of South Australia (UniSA) has launched a project to develop new nano-based materials for flame-retardant elastomers.

The goal, it said, is to develop “highly efficient” flame-retarding, nano-scale additives that address the limitations of the existing products on the market.

The project team will develop the additives through “assembling nanosheets, melamine polyphosphate nanoparticles, curing additives, and processing oil,” UniSA added.

According to the project description, the majority of elastomers are inherently highly flammable because their macromolecules are composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Elastomers are, therefore, compounded with flame-retarding additives, such as aluminium hydroxide, antimony oxide, ammonium polyphosphate, clay, and graphene.

“However, these additives are limited by inefficient flame retardancy, disadvantaged by unsatisfactory mechanical resilience, or harm the environment,” it added.