Construction of multi-component heterostructures as a flame retardant reinforcer within a polymer is a favorable option to realize the synergistic effects between different types of reinforcers. However, it is difficult to improve polymer flame retardance as the poor compatibility of retardants with polymer matrix can lead to low dispersion. Herein, 3-D flower-like templated layered double hydroxides (LDH) and graphene (rGO) were prepared on the surface of a caprolactam-modified casein micelle template for integration with casein latex based on a blending-casting method. Temp@LDH-rGO hardly affected the stability of the casein-based latex, as its casein-based composite latex was used as a leather surface coating. The limiting oxygen index of finished leather increased up to 27.4% when casein-based 4% Temp@LDH-rGO composite latex was applied for leather finishing. In contrast, its heat release rate and smoke production rate were lowered to 55.686 kW/m2 and 2.239 m-2 s-1, respectively. According to the combustion analysis, the leather samples finished by casein-based Temp@LDH-rGO latex exhibited significant improvement in flame retardant and smoke suppression performance. The casein-based Temp@LDH-rGO composite latex has thus been demonstrated as a highly effective option for functional coatings in diverse fields (e.g., automobile interior decoration, furniture manufacturing, and firefighting equipment).
Keywords: 3-D flower-like; Flame retardant; LDH-rGO; Smoke suppression; Templated.
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