Flame retardancy and flow application of superhydrophobic fabric loaded with attapulgite-silane coupling agents

Abstract

To address the issue of energy loss during the flow process in fire-fighting systems, the application of superhydrophobic coating technology has become a significant research focus. This work integrates silane coupling agent-modified attapulgite (ATP-KH) onto the fabric surface through a spraying technique, resulting in a stable coating with superhydrophobicity, anti-fouling properties, and flame resistance. The microstructure of ATP nanoparticles and coatings was characterized by experiments. The coating demonstrates remarkable superhydrophobicity, with a contact angle reaching 165.6°, and exhibits good self-cleaning, anti-fouling, chemical stability, and mechanical durability. The combustion behavior of the modified fabric is assessed through vertical burning tests and cone calorimetry experiments, revealing that the incorporation of ATP-KH reduces the peak heat release rate (PHRR) by 60.2 %, and the CO₂ produced by combustion decreased by 52 %, indicating a reduced fire hazard. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments confirm the presence of a dense char layer after combustion, which reasonably explains the improvement in the flame-retardant properties of the ATP-KH fabric. Furthermore, to expand the application of the coating in fire-fighting fields, it is applied to the surface of fabric pipes in combination with epoxy resin. Tests on the flow characteristics of the pipes indicate that the flow rate in ATP-KH pipes is increased by 12.2 %. Lastly, based on molecular simulations, the hydrophobic mechanism of the coating surface is elucidated, visually demonstrating the flow phenomenon on the surface. This work introduces superhydrophobic coating technology into fire-fighting systems, enhancing both the efficiency of extinguishing operations and the sustainability and energy efficiency of the system.