Airborne emissions from combustion of graphene nanoplatelet/epoxy composites and their cytotoxicity on lung cells via air-liquid interface cell exposure in vitro

Environmental and Health Impacts of Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials: A Graphene Flagship Perspective

“…This is in contrast to sanded GBM-reinforced polyurethane, where fewer fragments were released than that of matrix alone and showed no changes in particle size and no release of free GBM compared to the neat polymer. − The abraded FLG-reinforced epoxy polymer showed no significant shift in the particle size distribution or free graphene compared to pure epoxy materials. ,, When combusted, GBM-reinforced poly(lactic) acid films showed increased flame-retardant properties, and unburned GBMs could be found in the ashes, in higher quantities compared to neat polymers . Combustion of FLG-reinforced epoxy increased thermal stability of the composite, with no changes in amounts of particles released. , When exposed to weathering, the composite reacted in the same way as the matrix, with lower amounts of particles released when exposed to UV light alone, but the same amounts upon simulated rain. However, free graphene flakes were observed. , Based on the relatively few studies we can nevertheless extrapolate that depending on the combination of the matrix and the amount of nanofiller, only a moderate to low release of GBMs can be expected.…”

“…456 Combustion of FLG-reinforced epoxy increased thermal stability of the composite, with no changes in amounts of particles released. 457,458 When exposed to weathering, the composite reacted in the same way as the matrix, with lower amounts of particles released when exposed to UV light alone, but the same amounts upon simulated rain. However, free graphene flakes were observed.…”

“…Few studies have addressed the released materials with respect to toxicity. FLG-reinforced epoxy after abrasion or after combustion displayed no or only very moderate and transient cytotoxicity. , A similar result was observed in the multilaboratory analysis of rGO-PA6 abraded particles . Only as-produced rGO at the high dose of 40 μg/mL triggered adverse effects, most notably in macrophages.…”

Analysis of Flammability and Smoke Emission of Plastic Materials Used in Construction and Transport

“…Several investigations have examined the toxicity of the smoke produced during the combustion of flame-retardant polymers. W. Netkueakul et al [ 17 ] investigated the effects of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) in epoxy composite on the aerosol released from its combustion. Their results confirmed the potential health risks of the aerosol emissions from epoxy composites at their end-of-life via a combustion process and, at the same time, highlighted that the incorporation of GNP does not induce any novel or additive adverse effects on alveolar epithelial cells within 96 h of culture after exposure.…”