Tannic Acid Based Flame

About

Background Nylon is one of the most important engineering polymers broadly used in textile, electronic and automotive industries. In addition to its excellent mechanical properties, flame retardancy is also desirable in most applications. Nylon is typically processed at high temperature and very few synthetic flame-retardant additives are stable at the processing temperatures of Nylon. Phosphorus compounds (Red phosphorus), halogenated compounds and metal oxides have been used to make nylon less flammable. They are extremely toxic and environmentally persistent having significant long-term impacts on the ecosystem. These additives liberate toxic products and generate toxic/corrosive gases during combustion. There is a need for the development of environmentally friendly, non-toxic flame retardant material which is capable of imparting high flame retardancy, containing neither halogen nor phosphorus. Technology Dr Ramaswamy Nagarajan has explored an abundantly available bio-based polyphenol [Tannic acid (TA)] that plays a major biological role in the natural protection system of plants. Upon heating, TA exhibits good intumescence and char forming characteristics. However, the poor thermal stability of TA has severely limited its utility as a fire retardant or char forming additive.  Dr Nagarajan has overcome this limitation by cross linking tannic acid to yield a thermally stable cross-linked tannic acid with desired characteristics: Structurally characterized by FTIR, TGA-FTIR and 1H NMR. Thermally stable up to 230 °C 30% higher char yield over tannic acid Extremely low heat release capacity of Low heat release capacity in nylon 6 as compared to phosphorus based commercial flame retardant material Self-extinguishing Advantages As more countries establish stricter regulations and restrictions against halogenated flame retardants, the scope for non-halogenated FR is expected to continue growing. Ability to preserve physical properties over a wide range of temperatures Low heat release capacity FRs Combustion products are non-toxic as halogen, phosphorous and metal oxide based FRs No metal oxides used - Heavy loading of metal oxides as flame retardant additives, alter the properties of the material to be protected Phosphorus & halogen-free materials - Meets European standards, no toxic fumes released upon burning, no leaching of dangerous chemicals into the environment Significant cost saving - Synthesis process requires low cost of starting materials  Patent Pending