Hydrophobic and Flame-Retardant Foam Based on Cellulose

Abstract

Abstract A series of lightweight, hydrophobic, and fire retardant foams were fabricated through activation of cellulose by phosphoric acid as a primarily step. Dolomite clay was embedded onto the cellulosic suspensions with gelatin/ tannin as adhesive followed by freeze drying process. A solution of the environmentally friendly silicone rubber (RTV) was applied onto foam samples via spray-coating to improve their water repealing performance, which was explored by investigating both of water contacting angle and wettability time of the coated foam samples. Flammability characteristics, thermal decomposition, surface morphology, and chemical structure of treated and untreated foams were investigated by flammability test, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared, respectively. Results showed that the foams loaded dolomite and coated RTV have high hydrophobicity as well as anti-inflammability.