Catalytic polymer self-cleavage for CO₂ generation before combustion empowers materials with fire safety

Polymeric materials pose significant fire hazards. This study introduces a novel strategy using catalytic polymer auto-pyrolysis to release CO₂ before combustion, effectively acting as an internal fire extinguishing mechanism. Potassium salts, such as potassium formate/malate, transform polyurethane foam into fire-safe materials by inducing rapid CO₂ generation before intense decomposition. Adding only 1.05 wt% potassium formate significantly improved the limiting oxygen index, increased ignition time, and reduced smoke toxicity. This catalytic approach offers an efficient and eco-friendly method for developing fire-safe polymeric materials.

Wei Luo, Ming-Jun Chen, Ting Wang, Jin-Feng Feng, Zhi-Cheng Fu, Jin-Ni Deng, Yuan-Wei Yan, Yu-Zhong Wang, Hai-Bo Zhao