The Application of Polymer-based Nanomaterials for Fire Safety

Submission Deadline: 30 May 2026 View: 72 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Professor. Dr. Shuilai Qiu

Email: shuilai@ustc.edu.cn

Affiliation: College of Safety and Ocean Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, China

Homepage:

Research Interests: Flame retardant; Fire safety; Nanocomposites; Polymers; Smoke toxity; Black phosphorus

Summary

Polymer materials (e.g., thermoplastics, thermosets) are widely used in construction, transportation, and other fields, but their flammability remains a critical safety concern—nanomaterials offer a new solution to this challenge. This Special Issue focuses on “the application of nanomaterials for fire safety in polymer materials”, aiming to present the latest research findings and development trends in this field.

Nanomaterials, with properties like high specific surface area and excellent dispersibility, effectively enhance the fire safety of polymers: For example, nano-flame retardants (e.g., nano-Mg(OH)₂, LDHs) can be incorporated into polymer matrices to inhibit flame spread and toxic gas release during combustion, without compromising the polymers’ mechanical or processing performance. Nano-modified fireproof coatings, when applied to polymer components (e.g., plastic parts in vehicles), form a high-temperature-resistant insulating layer. 

Additionally, nanosensors integrated into polymer fire safety systems enable rapid detection of smoke and gases from polymer pyrolysis for early fire warning; nanotechnology also facilitates the development of polymer-compatible high-efficiency fire-extinguishing agents, improving fire suppression efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

This Special Issue collects cutting-edge domestic and international research, covering innovative applications of nanomaterials in polymer fire prevention (flame-retardant blends), fire suppression (nano-composite extinguishing agents), and early warning. It provides a communication platform for researchers and promotes technology implementation to enhance the fire safety of polymer products and protect lives and property.

Keywords