Non-covalently Functionalized Graphene Oxide-Based Coating to Enhance Thermal Stability and Flame Retardancy of PVA Film

Wenhua Chen, Pengju Liu, Lizhen Min, Yiming Zhou, Yuan Liu[1], Qi Wang, Wenfeng Duan

Index: 10.1007/s40820-018-0190-8

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Abstract

The synergistic effect of conventional flame-retardant elements and graphene has received extensive attention in the development of a new class of flame retardants. Compared to covalent modification, the non-covalent strategy is simpler and expeditious, and entirely preserves the original quality of graphene. Thus, non-covalently functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) with a phosphorus-nitrogen compound was successfully prepared via a one-pot process in this study. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and FGO were alternatively deposited on the surface of a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film via layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly driven by electrostatic interaction, imparting excellent flame retardancy to the coated PVA film. The multilayer FGO-based coating formed a protective shield encapsulating the PVA matrix, effectively blocking the transfer of heat and mass during combustion. The coated PVA has a higher initial decomposition temperature of about 260 °C and a nearly 60% reduction in total heat release than neat PVA does. Our results may have a promising prospect for flame retardant polymers.