Mussel‐inspired polydopamine/polystyrene composites with 3D continuous structure and improved thermal, mechanical, and flame retarding properties

Abstract

Polymer materials are widely used in daily life, but the flammability of most polymers has greatly restricted their applications. The addition of flame retardants into polymer matrix to form composites is the most effective method to improve the flame retarding properties. Here, a novel flame retarding composite is reported from polydopamine (PDA) and polystyrene (PS) through a latex technique. To maximize the potential of PDA in improving the properties of composites, PDA layers are first coated on PS microspheres and then the PDA coated PS microspheres are hot pressed to afford PDA/PS composites. Morphological characterizations of the cross sections of composites and the char after burning demonstrate the formation of three‐dimensional continuous network of PDA layers inside PS matrix, while differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile test, and cone calorimeter test confirm the visibly enhanced thermal, mechanical, and flame retarding properties of composites as compared to neat PS. These improvements are attributed to the strong interfacial interactions between PDA and PS, physical barrier effect of continuous PDA layers, and good free‐radical scavenging ability of PDA. This work demonstrates the great potential of PDA as additive for green and facile construction of flame retarding composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47740.

Toward bioinspired polymer adhesives: activation assisted via HOBt for grafting of dopamine onto poly(acrylic acid)

“…In the range of 300–400°C, the PAA-g-DA showed a delay in degradation compared with non-functionalized PAA. Catechol groups improving the thermal stability of polymers has been observed in prior literature and has been attributed to the hydrogen bonding and restriction of chain motion [ 52 , 53 ]. Additionally, dopamine can scavenge radicals generated by C-C bond pyrolysis, blocking depolymerization of the PAA backbone by chain scission [ 52 , 54 ].…”

“…Catechol groups improving the thermal stability of polymers has been observed in prior literature and has been attributed to the hydrogen bonding and restriction of chain motion [ 52 , 53 ]. Additionally, dopamine can scavenge radicals generated by C-C bond pyrolysis, blocking depolymerization of the PAA backbone by chain scission [ 52 , 54 ]. At a temperature of 600°C, the 50 K MW PAA has reached an equilibrium weight of 19.0% remaining.…”

In Situ Polymerized Polydopamine Nanoparticles as Enhanced Polymer Composite Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries

“…For instance, when the PDA content is 20 wt%, the HRR, THR, mass loss rate and CO release rate are 352.6 kW/m 2 , 19.4 MJ/m 2 , 0.20 g/s, and 0.013 g/s, corresponding to decreases of 26.3 %, 33.8 %, 41.2 % and 27.8 %, respectively. These obviously improved thermal stability and flame resistance of PCEs are believed to be resulted from the good radical‐scavenging ability of PDA, which could scavenge free radical and suppress fuel supply during combustion, and the good carbonization ability of PDA that could act as physical barrier to retard the combustion of composites [42–44] …”

“…Dong's groups also reported various PDA composites with enhanced optical properties [40,41] . Moreover, the good radical scavenging and carbonization ability also make PDA promising flame retardant for flame resistant materials [42–44] . However, to the best of our knowledge, the multiple merits of PDA have not been adopted in SPEs for safe and durable lithium‐ion batteries.…”

Polydopamine modified ammonium polyphosphate modified shape memory water‐borne epoxy composites with photo‐responsive flame retardant property

“…Table 3 also shows that the PDA@APP/WEP‐3 composites residual carbon rate is higher than that of the APP/WEP‐3 composites after CC tests. As a result, scavenging the free radicals of PDA could eliminate the additional radicals, which produced by pyrolysis CC bonds in the process of combustion 29 . Moreover, PDA@APP had a better synergistic enhancement effect, thus improving flame retardant performance.…”