Layer-by-layer self-assembly of Ce-doped titanate nanotube-based hybrid coating on bamboo fibre materials for flame retardancy and thermostability

In this study, Ce ions were doped into the crystal lattice of TNTs and bonded to O, which resulted in the generation of CeO 2 and expansion of the lattice defects of TNTs. Then, TNTs and Ce doped TNTs (Ce-TNTs) were coated on the surface of bamboo fibre materials by layer-by-layer self-assembly to refine the flame retardant performance of the materials. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and energy disperse spectrum (EDS) analysis indicated that the TNTs and Ce-TNTs were uniformly distributed on the surface of the bamboo fibre materials, and the Ti content reached ∼3.90 wt% and ∼3.70 wt%, respectively. Results from the cone calorimeter test showed that the flame retardant performance of the bamboo fibre materials was enhanced after the TNTs were coated on the surface of the materials (TNTs@Fibre). When Ce-TNTs were used as substitute for TNTs, the flame retardant performance of the Ce-TNTs@Fibre materials was further improved. The TTI and FPI were prolonged to 39.7s and 0.073 m 2  s/kW, and the av-HRR and THR were reduced to 126.9 kW/m 2 and 35.54 MJ/m 2 respectively. Moreover, pSEA, TSP and pSPR were decrease to 292.5 m 2 /kg, 3.70 m 2 and 0.039 m 2 /s. DSC and TG results demonstrated that the TNTs and Ce-TNTs enhanced the both thermostability and thermo oxidative stability of the materials.