Tailored Graphene Derivative: A Bifunctional Approach for Flame Resistance and Dye Remediation

Abstract

A bifunctional graphene based composite, THTPP@GD, was synthesized for concurrent flame retardancy and dye remediation, representing a significant advancement in textile protection and environmental applications. The material was synthesized through triazine polymerization, phosphate functionalization, and covalent integration with graphene oxide, forming a multifunctional architecture. This design improves structural stability while providing abundant active sites for functionality. Flame retardancy evaluation revealed exceptional performance, including a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 66%, a vertical flammability test (VFT) char length of 3 cm, and upon exposure to direct flame during continuous flammability test (CFT), it sustained up to a duration exceeding 900 s. The cone calorimetry results reveal a substantial reduction to flammability, with the THTPP@GD coated cotton exhibiting an 80.5% decrease in heat release rate (HRR) and a 76.2% decrease in total heat release rate (THR) compared to the blank fabric, demonstrating effective flame suppression which was also supported by TG-IR analysis. SEM analysis confirmed retention of fiber morphology after CFT, while TGA indicated improved thermal stability. The composite showed optimal dye removal at neutral pH with high adsorption capacity of 43.92 mg/g, 98% efficiency toward Direct Red 23, and a large surface area (92.268 m2/g), highlighting its potential for textile safety and wastewater treatment applications.