Engineered CuAl-LDH/black phosphorus nanohybrids for flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and mechanical reinforcement of polyurea
- 1College of Aerospace Engineering, Shenyang Aerospace University, Shenyang, 110136, China
- 2School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110002, China
- 3Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Abstract
Polyurea (PUA) is widely used in protective coatings and structural applications owing to its excellent mechanical robustness and environmental resistance. However, intrinsic flammability and severe smoke release significantly limit its use in fire-critical environments. Herein, we report a highly synergistic combination of CuAl-layered double hydroxides (LDH) coated onto the surface of black phosphorus (BP) via high-energy ball milling, with chloro-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (ML) serving as a molecular “bridge” to enhance dispersion and interfacial adhesion within PUA matrix. Beyond the barrier effect of the layered structure, BP contributes to gas-phase radical scavenging while CuAl-LDH acts as an effective catalytic charring agent in the condensed phase. Owing to this multi-synergy effect, PUA/BP@LDH@ML nanocomposite exhibits suppressed melt dripping and reduced combustion intensity achieving a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 26.5% with a potential to pass the UL-94 rating. Furthermore, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total smoke production (TSP) decreased by 39.2% and 52.9%, respectively. Notably, the incorporation of BP@LDH@ML simultaneously enhances mechanical performance of PUA, increasing tensile strength and elongation at break by 64.6% and 39.8%, respectively. This work demonstrates a rational interfacial engineering strategy for developing PUA composites with high fire-safety and mechanical performance for diverse advanced applications.
Related
- A Phosphorus-Containing Polyamide Oligomer as a Synergist for Flame-Retardant PA66/GF Composites: Concurrent Improvements in Flame Retardancy and Electrical Safety
- Carbon nanotube–gold nanohybrids for selective catalytic oxidation of alcohols
- A Formaldehyde-Free, Soy Protein-Based Adhesive with P-N-Si Synergistic Flame Retardancy for Plywood Application
- Bio-based chitosan aerogel composites with multifunctional combination of thermal insulation, sound absorption, flame retardancy, and superhydrophobicity
- Multi-configuration synergistic modulation of MXene/poly-Schiff-base/Fe3O4 aerogels with enhanced microwave absorption, thermal insulation, and flame retardancy
BibTeX
@article{guo2026engineered,
title = {{Engineered CuAl-LDH/black phosphorus nanohybrids for flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and mechanical reinforcement of polyurea}},
author = {Xiaoqi Guo and Mosha Cheng and Sensen Han and Umut Bakhbergen and Shuangshan Li and Sherif Araby and Qingshi Meng},
journal = {Chemical Engineering Journal},
year = {2026},
month = may,
doi = {10.1016/j.cej.2026.177848},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2026.177848},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Engineered CuAl-LDH/black phosphorus nanohybrids for flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and mechanical reinforcement of polyurea
AU - Xiaoqi Guo
AU - Mosha Cheng
AU - Sensen Han
AU - Umut Bakhbergen
AU - Shuangshan Li
AU - Sherif Araby
AU - Qingshi Meng
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/05/30
JO - Chemical Engineering Journal
DO - 10.1016/j.cej.2026.177848
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2026.177848
AB - Polyurea (PUA) is widely used in protective coatings and structural applications owing to its excellent mechanical robustness and environmental resistance. However, intrinsic flammability and severe smoke release significantly limit its use in fire-critical environments. Herein, we report a highly synergistic combination of CuAl-layered double hydroxides (LDH) coated onto the surface of black phosphorus (BP) via high-energy ball milling, with chloro-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (ML) serving as a molecular “bridge” to enhance dispersion and interfacial adhesion within PUA matrix. Beyond the barrier effect of the layered structure, BP contributes to gas-phase radical scavenging while CuAl-LDH acts as an effective catalytic charring agent in the condensed phase. Owing to this multi-synergy effect, PUA/BP@LDH@ML nanocomposite exhibits suppressed melt dripping and reduced combustion intensity achieving a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 26.5% with a potential to pass the UL-94 rating. Furthermore, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total smoke production (TSP) decreased by 39.2% and 52.9%, respectively. Notably, the incorporation of BP@LDH@ML simultaneously enhances mechanical performance of PUA, increasing tensile strength and elongation at break by 64.6% and 39.8%, respectively. This work demonstrates a rational interfacial engineering strategy for developing PUA composites with high fire-safety and mechanical performance for diverse advanced applications.
SN - 1385-8947
SN - 1873-3212
ER -