In situ construction of epoxy crosslinked Si-Al zeolite-like catalytic structure in wood to achieve high flame retardancy

As green renewable resources, wood and its composites are widely used in the construction field, which puts forward higher requirements for their flame-retardant performance. In this study, a high-temperature hydrothermal crystallization method for in situ constructing an epoxy crosslinked Si-Al zeolite-like structural wood composite (WZLC) was reported. Under the action of amine guiding agents and epoxy resin, the zeolite-like catalytic structure constructed in poplar wood comprised negative electrocatalytic sites, which can efficiently catalyze the formation of the carbon layer and endow WZLC with excellent flame retardant, smoke-suppression, and self-extinguishing properties. Compared with the untreated wood (WN), the thermal stability of the treated wood (WZLC) was greatly improved, and the amount of volatile organic compounds released during the decomposition process was significantly reduced. The heat release rate, total heat release, smoke production rate, and total smoke production of WZLC1 decreased by 50.23%, 44.14%, 45.21%, and 28.46%, respectively. Particularly, CO and CO2 yields of WZLC significantly decreased by 92.26% and 92.02%, respectively, indicating that the Si-Al zeolite-like catalytic structure displayed excellent catalytic flame retardant properties, which can effectively decrease the thermal decomposition rate and combustion risk of the WZLC. This method uses less flame retardants to achieve a good flame retardant and smoke suppression effect, thereby reducing the risk of environmental pollution caused by too many flame retardants.