Abstract: A flame-retardant composition is described comprising a mixture of a water dispersible organic polymer; and a water dispersible derivative of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or anhydride thereof. The water dispersible derivative typically has a solubility in a 0.1 N aqueous solution of NaOH at 25° C. of at least 25 g/liter. Also described is a flame-retardant composition comprising the mixture described dispersed in an aqueous carrier and method of making a flame-retardant composition.

Abstract: The provided articles and methods use a non-woven fibrous web containing 60-100 wt % of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers; and 0-40 wt % of reinforcing fibers having outer surfaces comprised of a polymer with a melting temperature of from 100° C. to 300° C. The non-woven fibrous web has an average bulk density of from 15 kg/m3 to 50 kg/m3, with the plurality of fibers substantially entangled along directions perpendicular to a major surface of the non-woven fibrous web. Optionally, the oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers can have a crimped configuration. Advantageously, these articles can display a combination of low thermal conductivity, high tensile strength, and flame resistance.

Abstract: The provided articles and methods use a non-woven fibrous web containing 60-100 wt % of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers; and 0-40 wt % of reinforcing fibers having outer surfaces comprised of a polymer with a melting temperature of from 100° C. to 300° C. The non-woven fibrous web has an average bulk density of from 15 kg/m3 to 50 kg/m3, with the plurality of fibers substantially entangled along directions perpendicular to a major surface of the non-woven fibrous web. Optionally, the oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers can have a crimped configuration. Advantageously, these articles can display a combination of low thermal conductivity, high tensile strength, and flame resistance.

Abstract: A flame retardant foam. The flame retardant foam includes a from 25 to 75 wt % polyvinyl alcohol foam; and a from 25 to 95 wt % fire retardant coated on the polyvinyl alcohol foam, wherein the fire retardant comprises ammonium polyphosphate or sodium metasilicate; wherein the thickness of the foam is from 2 mm to 1 cm.

Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous web includes a flame retardant nonwoven fabric coated with a fire retardant, wherein the fire retardant comprises ammonium polyphosphate or alkali metal silicate; and wherein the flame retardant nonwoven fabric has a first major surface and an opposed second major surface; a first nonwoven fabric covering at least a portion of the first major surface; and a second nonwoven fabric covering at least a portion of the second major surface. The first and second nonwoven fabrics each comprise oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and optional reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer thermal insulator and related method that use a non-woven core layer comprising non-meltable and flame-resistant polymeric fibers. One or more scrims are disposed on the opposing major surfaces of the non-woven core layer, and a peripheral edge of the one or more scrims is either edge sealed or capable of being edge sealed to substantially encapsulate the non-woven core layer within the one or more scrims. Optionally, a binder is provided on the scrims or non-woven core layer to facilitate edge sealing. The provided insulators are essentially dust-free and capable of passing stringent flammability standards.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer thermal insulator and related method that use a non-woven core layer comprising non-meltable and flame-resistant polymeric fibers. One or more scrims are disposed on the opposing major surfaces of the non-woven core layer, and a peripheral edge of the one or more scrims is either edge sealed or capable of being edge sealed to substantially encapsulate the non-woven core layer within the one or more scrims. Optionally, a binder is provided on the scrims or non-woven core layer to facilitate edge sealing. The provided insulators are essentially dust-free and capable of passing stringent flammability standards.

Abstract: The provided articles and methods use a non-woven fibrous web containing 60-100 wt % of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers; and 0-40 wt % of reinforcing fibers having outer surfaces comprised of a polymer with a melting temperature of from 100° C. to 300° C. The non-woven fibrous web has an average bulk density of from 15 kg/m3 to 50 kg/m3, with the plurality of fibers substantially entangled along directions perpendicular to a major surface of the non-woven fibrous web. Optionally, the oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers can have a crimped configuration. Advantageously, these articles can display a combination of low thermal conductivity, high tensile strength, and flame resistance.

Abstract: A method of making an electret that includes contacting a porous substrate that includes polymer with a composition that includes solvent capable of swelling the polymer, removing the solvent from the substrate, and contacting the substrate with water in a manner sufficient to impart an electret charge to the substrate.