One-step construction of graphene aerogel @ ammonium polyphosphate nanohybrids on the PET fabric to accomplish the superior fire safety

To improve the flame retardancy of polyester (PET) fabric, graphene aerogel (GA) based ammonium polyphosphate (APP) integrated composite aerogel (GA-APP) was prepared and loaded on the PET fabric surface by the hydrothermal reduction method. The structure of flame retardant determines its performance, so the effect of GA-APP structure on the flame retardancy of PET fabric was investigated by means of scanning electron microscope, fourier infrared spectrometer, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimetry. The results showed that, the addition and component ratio of graphene oxide (GO), APP and reductant ascorbic acid (LAA) were affecting the structure formation of GA-APP composites. The excessive addition of APP and LAA has a certain destructive effect on the structural integrity of GA. The optimal process parameters were that, the mass ratio of GO to APP was 2 to 1 and the mass ratio of GO to LAA was 1 to 4. When the loading of GA-APP was 26%, the LOI value of PET fabric increased from 19.5% to 34.5%. The vertical combustion performance reached B1 level, and the heat release rate decreased from 147.55 kW/m2 to 25.38 kW/m2, acting out the high efficiency and flame retardant characteristics.