Characterization of Nanoparticle Release from Polymer Nanocomposites Due to Fire

Published

July 6, 2011

Author(s)

Nasir M. Uddin, Marc R. Nyden, Rick D. Davis

Abstract

Engineered nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibers (CNFs) are increasingly being used as fire retardants and performance additives in polymeric materials. However, because of their small size and ability to interact with biological molecules, these nanoadditives may pose significant health and environmental risks if they are released into the environment. Studies are being conducted to understand the potential hazards associated with burning materials containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibers (CNFs) either in the process of incineration or in accidental fires. Some of the important questions that need to be answered are: 1) are significant amounts of CNTs and CNFs released into the environment (in addition to soot, which is a ubiquitous byproduct of gas phase combustion) when nanocomposite materials are burned? 2) if so, under what conditions are these nanoparticles emitted and 3) what are the size distributions, morphologies, and chemistries of the released nanoparticles?

Proceedings Title

Nanotech 2011 Conference and Expo

Conference Dates

June 13-16, 2011

Conference Location

Boston, MA, US

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

"nanoparticles, ""environmental, ""nanocomposite, "incineration, ""fire, "

Citation

Uddin, N. , Nyden, M. and Davis, R. (2011), Characterization of Nanoparticle Release from Polymer Nanocomposites Due to Fire, Nanotech 2011 Conference and Expo, Boston, MA, US, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=908221 (Accessed October 7, 2025)