Fabrication of eco-friendly nanocomposite films based on hydroxyethyl cellulose reinforced with rice husk ash-derived nanosilica for enhanced thermal and flame-retardant properties
摘要
In this study, an eco-friendly nanocomposite film was fabricated utilizing hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as the polymer matrix and rice husk ash-derived silica nanoparticles as the reinforcing filler. The thermal behavior of the synthesized nanocomposite films (HEC/NS) at varying nanosilica loadings was analyzed by non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Flammability was assessed via calculating the volumetric heat release rate (VHRR) during combustion through a novel integration of DSC-derived degradation kinetics with thermochemical group contribution method. The results showed that increasing nanosilica concentration in HEC/NS composites delayed the onset of thermal degradation and broadened the degradation peaks, confirming enhanced thermal stability. VHRR data demonstrated a significant reduction in heat release rate during combustion with increasing nanosilica content, indicating improved flame retardancy. These findings suggest promising applications for these green nanocomposites in fire-safe sustainable packaging and protective textiles.