Impact of Cellulose Modification by Expandable Graphite andCarbon Nanotubes on Flammability and Thermal Properties

The flammability of cellulosic material restricts its use in insulation andpackaging applications. This study examined carbon-based additives toprotect cellulose paper against thermal degradation. Carbon nanotubes(CNT) and expandable graphite (EG) were used to modify paper material.Thermal analysis was performed to examine the different modification sys-tems. Our results showed consistently that the addition of EG resulted in anincreased fire resistance in the mini fire tube (MFT) test, limited oxygen index(LOI) measurements, and mass loss calorimeter (MLC). In combination withCNT, the heat-release rate could be drastically reduced. Thermal analysis(DSC with TG analysis) revealed that EG had a longer resistance to thermaldegradation. The developed composite material can be used, depending onthe needs of the industry, as part of thin panel material, partition, or fireproofcladding in construction, railways, transport, automotive, and shipbuilding industries.