Biomimetic sand-fixation-inspired flame retardants: enhanced char stabilization and multifunctional polyurethane with integrated fire safety, radiation shielding, and visual monitoring

Abstract

Multifunctional polyurethane (PU) holds significant promise as a next-generation smart material, yet its inherent flammability limits widespread application. Currently, research on condensed-phase flame retardancy primarily focuses on promoting char layer formation, while the critical affecting factor of char layer structural stability is often overlooked. In this study, inspired by the sand-fixation mechanism, a cluster-structured flame retardant was designed using rare earth metals as the central core and phosphoric acids as functional end groups to construct a root-like framework. This biomimetic flame-retardant strategy successfully achieved dual functionality: catalytic carbonization and structural support. Compared to the control sample, the heat release rate (HRR) and smoke production rate (SPR) of ATMP–Eu-co-PU were decreased by 55% and 60%, respectively. The residual char morphology after combustion resembles a distinctive “skeleton–sphere” composite char layer structure. Additionally, the gamma-ray shielding efficiency of (P–Eu)7-co-PU increased by 10.6%, while its UV shielding efficiency reached 99%. The synthesized polyurethanes can also be utilized for visual UV monitoring, coating defect detection, and cryptographic applications.

Graphical abstract: Biomimetic sand-fixation-inspired flame retardants: enhanced char stabilization and multifunctional polyurethane with integrated fire safety, radiation shielding, and visual monitoring

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Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
18 Mar 2025
Accepted
05 Jun 2025
First published
06 Jun 2025

Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article

Biomimetic sand-fixation-inspired flame retardants: enhanced char stabilization and multifunctional polyurethane with integrated fire safety, radiation shielding, and visual monitoring

X. Li, M. Xie, J. Gao, K. Song, X. Li, J. Geng, J. He and R. Yang, Mater. Horiz., 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5MH00493D

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