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Transparent hydrophobic fire-resistant nitrogen–phosphorus–silicon coatings self-assembled via in-situ polymerization

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose For the cables deployed in humid environments, the service life will be shortened because of moisture ingress. Thus, it is imperative to develop coatings on the surface of cables that possess excellent hydrophobicity and high flame retardancy. Design/methodology/approach Herein, based on the synergy of organic nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon, this study aims to prepare a hydrophobic flame-retardant silicon coating by the introduction of a low content of organic nitrogen and phosphorus through covalent bonding. First, DHQI was prepared from 10-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-10-hydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide and isocyanate propyl triethoxysilane by the reaction between –NCO and –OH. Then, the prepolymers were prepared by hydrolysis of various functional silanes and DHQI, and the coating from the prepolymer is characterized by a flower-like microstructure via the self-assembly of DHQI, resulting in a high water contact angle (up to 101°). Findings Meanwhile, the flame retardancy of polypropylene with SR-DHQI coating achieves a UL-94 V-0 rating. Compared with pure PC, PHRR of PC with SR-DHQI-2 coating is reduced by 40.1%, and under the butane spray gun flame impact, the fire resistance time of PC with the coating is twice that of PC, indicating that the coating can protect the substrate from melting and prevent the spread of flames, which is associated with the gas-phase and condensed-phase flame retardancy, derived from the synergistic effect of N and P from DHQI. Originality/value This work provides a feasible and sustainable strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional protective coatings for cables.
DOI: 10.1108/prt-05-2026-0085
Authors: Zeming Wang, Ruobing Yu
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7118867681
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Cites: 20
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Related to: 10