Small molecule additives in multilayer polymer-clay thin films for improved heat shielding of steel

Abstract In an effort to improve the heat shielding ability of multilayer polymer-clay films, influence various small molecule additives was studied. Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM), pentaerythritol (PER), and ammonium pentaborate (PB) are each utilized in flame retardant applications for benefits they provide reducing propagation fire. present study, these combined with polyethylenimine (PEI) vermiculite (VMT) clay resulting growth coatings thermal resistivity were measured. THAM PB salts contribute most overall layer-by-layer assembled generating increase film thickness 50% or more, while PER has a greater impact on shielding. A 14-bilayer (THAM + PEI)/VMT coating (~25 µm thick) steel can achieve temperature differential over 125 °C due layering effect that occurs within architecture macroscopic insulation bubble disordered char. This improved across relatively thin generates shield be applied novel such as single-use protective barrier aerospace components.