| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S24350/01 |
| Title: |
Nanocomposite Fire Retardants for Synthetic Fibres |
| Principal Investigator: |
Hull, Professor TR |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Centre for Materials Res and Innovation |
| Organisation: |
University of Bolton |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 September 2003 |
Ends: |
31 December 2006 |
Value (£): |
138,944
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
Materials Processing |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Synthetic fibres continue to be much more flammable than their natural counterparts and are difficult to fire retard, presenting a major fire hazard. Natural fibres have a tendency to char formation, whereas synthetics have low or zero char-promoting character. The barrier layer and char forming properties of nanocomposites uniquely promises to improve fire resistance of synthetic fibres, while enhancing physical and mechanical properties. The international centres of excellence at Sheffield (The Polymer Centre), Bolton (Textiles) and Salford (Fire Chemistry) have combined to produce a team which has the expertise to create such materials, and in so doing, breathe new life into UK's declining textile industry.Existing and novel nanocomposites will be formed from polyamides, polyesters and polyacrylics. These will be assessed for flammability and their ability to be spun into fibres. The bulk nanocomposite, its char, and the fibres formed from it will be investigated in order to design materials with improved fire retardancy. Nanocomposites will be supplemented by established flame retardant systems where necessary in order to produce a new generation of flame retardant textiles. The project will be led by the younger members of the team, fully supported by the collective wealth of experience of their senior colleagues.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.bolton.ac.uk |