Recently, the research group led by Prof. Qu Jinping and Prof. Wu Ting published their research work entitled "Shelter forest inspired superhydrophobic flame-retardant composite with root-soil interlocked micro/nanostructure enhanced mechanical, physical, and chemical durability" online on Advanced Functional Materials.

The heat accumulation caused by the high power consumption of continuously upgrading electronic devices puts forward more requirements for the adaptability and durability of the flame retardant materials. Herein, inspired by the soil reinforcement effect of the shelter forest roots nearby the river and shoal, a superhydrophobic flame-retardant ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)/aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) composite with root-soil interlocked micro/nanostructure (MEA/PGCC) is prepared by combining the micro-extrusion compression molding and spray coating. The homogeneously dispersed ATH and the EVA with sufficient mechanical strength provide durability for the long-term work of the MEA/PGCC composite. The root-soil interlocked micro/nanostructure provides robust superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 156 ± 1.0° and a rolling angle of 4 ± 1.0° for the MEA/PGCC composite which is beneficial to improve acid and alkali tolerance, thermic resistance, and de-icing performance. The synergism of interface and surface function prominently improves the flame retardancy of the MEA/PGCC composite, which presents a limit oxygen index of 42%, and remarkable reduction in peak heat release rate of 64%, total heat release of 23%, and peak smoke production rate of 47%. The proposed method is a promising candidate for the mass production and practical application of the superhydrophobic flame retardant composite.

Link to this paper: https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202213398