Influence of carbon nanotubes on fire behaviour and aerosol emitted during combustion of thermoplastics

Chivas-Joly, Carine; Charles, Matthew; Guillaume, Éric; Ducourtieux, S.; Saragoza, Laurent; Lesenechal, D.; Lopez-Cuesta, J.-M.; Longuet, Claire; Sonnier, Rodolphe; Minisini, Benoît

doi:10.1002/fam.2161

Cited by 20 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 35 publications

(47 reference statements)

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“…However, very little is known on the release and potential transformation of ENMs during this thermal process. The limited literature on the thermal decomposition of NEPs focuses on either pristine, raw ENMs[20] or nanoparticle-spiked waste [21], while most focus lies on the particle size and concentration of the released aerosol from the thermal decomposition of nanocomposites [22-26]. Furthermore, there is a lack of a fundamental understanding on the thermal decomposition process of NEPs and the potential nano-release that might occur during this process.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics: Possible environmental health and safety implications

Sotiriou

Singh

Zhang

et al. 2016

Journal of Hazardous Materials

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Nano-enabled products (NEPs) are currently part of our life prompting for detailed investigation of potential nano-release across their life-cycle. Particularly interesting is their end-of-life thermal decomposition scenario. Here, we examine the thermal decomposition of a widely used NEP, namely thermoplastic nanocomposites, and assess the properties of the byproducts (released aerosol and residual ash) and possible environmental health and safety implications. We focus on establishing a fundamental understanding on the effect of thermal decomposition parameters, such as polymer matrix, nanofiller properties, decomposition temperature, on the properties of byproducts using a recently-developed lab-based experimental integrated platform. Our results indicate that thermoplastic polymer matrix strongly influences size and morphology of released aerosol, while there was minimal but detectable nano-release, especially when inorganic nanofillers were used. The chemical composition of the released aerosol was found not to be strongly influenced by the presence of nanofiller at least for the low, industry-relevant loadings assessed here. Furthermore, the morphology and composition of residual ash was found to be strongly influenced by the presence of nanofiller. The findings presented here on thermal decomposition/incineration of NEPs raise important questions and concerns regarding the potential fate and transport of released engineered nanomaterials in environmental media and potential environmental health and safety implications.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics: Possible environmental health and safety implications

Sotiriou

Singh

Zhang

et al. 2016

Journal of Hazardous Materials

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“…Following burning of MWCNT-containing polymers at temperatures below 600 °C, MWCNT could not be destroyed and remained in the residual ashes which may be aerolised and potentially lead to exposure (Chivas-Joly et al, 2014, Christou et al, 2016). …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Another potential health risk associated with FRs is the exposure of firefighters (or others) during clean-up after fires, as elevated rates of cancers related to dioxin exposure have been observed ( Shaw et al, 2010 ). Following burning of MWCNT-containing polymers at temperatures below 600 °C, MWCNT could not be destroyed and remained in the residual ashes which may be aerolised and potentially lead to exposure ( Chivas-Joly et al, 2014 , Christou et al, 2016 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical alternatives assessment of different flame retardants – A case study including multi-walled carbon nanotubes as synergist

Aschberger

Campia

Pesudo

et al. 2017

Environment International

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Flame retardants (FRs) are a diverse group of chemicals used as additives in a wide range of products to inhibit, suppress, or delay ignition and to prevent the spread of fire. Halogenated FRs (HFRs) are widely used because of their low impact on other material properties and the low loading levels necessary to meet the required flame retardancy. Health and environmental hazards associated with some halogenated FRs have driven research for identifying safer alternatives. A variety of halogen-free FRs are available on the market, including organic (phosphorus and nitrogen based chemicals) and inorganic (metals) materials. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have been demonstrated to act as an effective/synergistic co-additive in some FR applications and could thereby contribute to reducing the loading of FRs in products and improving their performance.As part of the FP7 project DEROCA we carried out a chemical alternatives assessment (CAA). This is a methodology for identifying, comparing and selecting safer alternatives to chemicals of concern based on criteria for categorising human and environmental toxicity as well as environmental fate. In the project we assessed the hazard data of different halogen-free FRs to be applied in 5 industrial and consumer products and here we present the results for MWCNT, aluminium diethylphosphinate, aluminium trihydroxide, N-alkoxy hindered amines and red phosphorus compared to the HFR decabromodiphenylether. We consulted the REACH guidance, the criteria of the U.S.-EPA Design for Environment (DfE) and the GreenScreen® Assessment to assess and compare intrinsic properties affecting the hazard potential.A comparison/ranking of exposure reference values such as Derived No Effect Levels (DNELs) showed that FRs of concern are not identified by a low DNEL. A comparison based on hazard designations according to the U.S.-EPA DfE and GreenScreen® for human health endpoints, aquatic toxicity and environmental fate showed that the major differences between FRs of concern and their proposed alternatives are the potential for bioaccumulation and CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) effects. As most alternatives are inorganic chemicals, persistence (alone) is not a suitable criterion.From our experiences in carrying out a CAA we conclude: i) REACH registration dossiers provide a comprehensive source of hazard information for an alternative assessment. It is important to consider that the presented data is subject to changes and its quality is variable. ii) Correct identification of the chemicals is crucial to retrieve the right data. This can be challenging for mixtures, reaction products or nanomaterials or when only trade names are available. iii) The quality of the data and the practice on how to fill data gaps can have a huge impact on the results and conclusions. iv) Current assessment criteria have mainly been developed for organic chemicals and create challenges when applied to inorganic solids, including nanomaterials. It is therefore crucial to analyse and report uncertain...

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“…In the context of the ANR research project NanoFeu, various technical analyses have been performed [1]. One focuses on the characterization of the dispersion of nanofillers in the matrix; another deals with the characterization of the fire behavior of samples including the study of the composition of the gaseous effluents, the characterization of the emitted soot [2]. A third part of the work focused on molecular modeling of observed phenomena within the matrices.…”

Section: Gaseous Effluents From the Combustion Of Nanocomposites In Cmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gaseous effluents from the combustion of nanocomposites in controlled-ventilation conditions

Calogine

Marlair

Bertrand

et al. 2011

J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.

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Influence of carbon nanotubes on fire behaviour and aerosol emitted during combustion of thermoplastics

Cited by 20 publications

References 35 publications

Thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics: Possible environmental health and safety implications

Thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics: Possible environmental health and safety implications

Chemical alternatives assessment of different flame retardants – A case study including multi-walled carbon nanotubes as synergist

Gaseous effluents from the combustion of nanocomposites in controlled-ventilation conditions

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