DITF Develops Flame-Retardant Bio-based PEF Fibers
DITF has developed innovative flame-retardant bio-based polyethylene furanoate (PEF) fibers, crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a circular economy. By chemically bonding phosphorus-based additives to the polymer, they ensure long-term fire protection without leaching. This breakthrough allows PEF to meet safety standards for mass market textile applications in construction, clothing, and home furnishings, significantly boosting the sustainability and safety of materials.
The growing shift towards bio-based fibers like polyethylene furanoate (PEF) aims to lessen reliance on fossil raw materials and bolster the circular economy. However, their widespread adoption, particularly in textiles for construction, safety gear, and home furnishings, has been hampered by a lack of effective, environmentally friendly flame retardancy. The DITF's 'Polymers and Fiber Composites' research team has addressed this by developing PEF with integrated flame-retardant properties. Unlike traditional methods where additives can leach, DITF covalently bonds phosphorus-based flame retardants directly to the PEF polymer molecules. This crucial step ensures persistent, long-term fire protection, especially important for fibers with high surface areas. Researchers also optimized the retardant concentration to be as low as possible, mitigating potential health and environmental impacts, while simultaneously increasing the polymer's molecular weight for enhanced fiber strength. Extensive testing confirmed that textiles made from these flame-retardant PEF fibers exhibit significantly reduced flammability, marking a significant step towards enabling bio-based materials to enter the mass market with improved safety and sustainability.
