Research on Fabrication of Flame Retardant Nanocomposite Coating to Protect Steel Structures on Epikote 240 Epoxy Resin Base with the Synergy of MWCNTs and Fly Ash

The use of industrial wastes such as thermal power plant ﬂy ash can reduce the environmental risk. The ﬂy ash properties are useful and can contribute to organic coatings. This paper examines a new strategy for coatings that protect steel structures from the eﬀects of ﬁre while enhancing mechanical properties. The aim of this study was to show that the ﬂy ash additive can be a partial replacement for other conventional additives while also having a ﬂame retardant eﬀect. To study the eﬀectiveness of the use of ﬂy ash additives, we have sought to combine them with nanoadditives. Speciﬁcally, we study the synergy of ﬂy ash with multi-wall carbon nanotube additives to reinforce the coating on the system: epoxy Epikote 240/ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/pen-taerythritol (PER), and melamine. Content of ﬂy ash was studied:10 wt.% with 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt.% of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The results prove that the synergies between ﬂy ash and multi-wall carbon nanotubes increase the ﬁre resistance to increase the protection of steel structures of the building. When using 10 wt.% ﬂy ash and 1 wt.% MWCNTS, the coating can be considered as a ﬂame retardant material with UL 94V-0 ﬁre resistance and the limiting


Introduction
Steel is widely used in the world. However, steel with the deterioration of its external structure due to the attack of chemicals and environment is also threatened by fire. Previous studies have shown that steel structures can maintain strength below or up to a maximum temperature of 500°C. e structure is broken down at a higher temperature. erefore, to ensure the safety of the steel structure, the temperature of the steel structure must be kept below 500°C in the event of a fire incident [1][2][3]. Applications of organic coatings as one of the methods of protecting steel structures in industrial civil engineering are appropriate and established. is coating promotes active protection against corrosion, electrochemical, and other effects of the normal climate. Fly ash, an environmentally friendly additive that has been studied, is one of the flame retardants for polymers. e amount of fly ash that has been studied and put into epoxy resin is 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 percent by weight to make composite materials with fire resistance [4]. Research results have shown that 20 wt.% fly ash has good mechanical properties and flame retardation. Fly ash is studied as a filler and has flame retardant properties for composite materials based on epoxy resin [5,6]. In addition, fly ash is also being studied as an additive to composite materials as insulating materials with the optimum content of 40 wt.% [7,8]. On the other hand, multi-walled carbon nanoadditive has been researched by many scientists around the world to manufacture flame retardant materials. e results showed that with only 0.02 wt.% MWCNTs dispersed in epoxy resin the flame retardation was significantly improved, and mechanical properties improved [9,10]. Nikolas Sabbattini has studied a paint containing clay or plaster to cover theaters in Italy is fire resistant. In 1820, the author Fuchs used nattri silicate over the wood in the Munich theater to protect the wood from the impact of the fire [11]. In 200 BC, the Romans used a mixture of alum and vinegar (Potassium Aluminum Sulfate KAl(SO 4 ) 2 .12H 2 O or ammonium aluminum Sulfate NH 4 Al(SO 4 ) 2 .12H 2 O) to coat and impregnate wood [11]. Scientist Obadiah Wyld used a mixture of alum, iron sulphate, and borate salt to reduce the flammability of textiles used for theater and public works, patented in England in 1935 [12]. e flame retardant coating is based on the swelling mechanism studied in 1970 [13]. Its coating provides a thick protective layer to the flame by decomposition at high temperature forming an insulating coal layer. e swollen coating consists of a mixture of pentaerythritol and melamine in the plastic substrate at a low temperature and will expand when thermal decomposition forms an insulating coal layer at a temperature of about 280-300°C. is carbon layer will act as a thermal barrier and prevent the fire heat from being transferred to the protected material substrate [14]. Guo-Qiang et al. researched fabricating coating films based on ammonium polyphosphate (APP), pentaerythritol (PER), and melamine on polymer base. When burned, at a temperature of 100-250°C, the acidifying agent in the coating will decompose, reacting with a carbonization agent (PER) to create a coal layer. At temperatures of 280-350°C, the melamine in the decomposed coating releases a large amount of gas, which expands the coal layer to form an inflated layer of coal that separates the fire heat in contact with the protected substrate [15].
Siqi Huo et al. studied P-containing flame retardants and their effect on the fire resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of epoxy resins. e research team pointed out important future directions for the use of phosphoruscontaining flame retardants (P). Phosphorus (P) flame retardant is one of the substances used a lot in the past for epoxy resins, because it provides a high flame retardant effect [16]. e combination of conventional nanomaterials and flame retardants, either through chemical or physical methods, allows for adjustable mechanical and flame retardant performance, with a tendency to improved properties. Wentao He et al. have studied combinations of nanomaterials and conventional flame retardants containing phosphorus, nitrogen, or silicon. And the results showed that the combination gave good mechanical properties and resistance to fire [17]. In general, nanofillers have been considered as good candidates for a flame retardant additive. Currently, montmorillonite (MMT) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are the most widely used fillers, because they improve not only their flame retardant properties but also mechanical properties [18][19][20][21]. e thermal decomposition and combustion of polymer nanomaterials is a complex physical and chemical process. e fire resistance of nanosynthetic polymers is affected by many factors. One of the important factors is the dispersion of the nanoadditive in the resin matrix. Part of the improved fire resistance is due to the nanotube carbon well dispersed in the resin substrate. MWCNTS forms a thick ash layer on the surface of the material, preventing the burning material from being exposed to heat and oxygen in the air [22][23][24][25].
In this study, we focus on thermal power plant waste containing aluminum and silica as fly ash combined with nanoadditive. e aim of this study is to explore the potential of fly ash as an eco-friendly additive combined with a multi-wall carbon nano reinforcement over conventional flame retardant systems.

Sample Preparation.
All intumescent ingredients were mixed with their respective weight percentage as stated in Table 3. Technological condition is stirring speed 2000 rpm, stirring time is 90 minutes, and 90 minutes ultrasonic vibration. A structural steel plate measuring 100 cm 2 was used as the substrate.

Analysis
(1) Fire Retardant Evaluation Method Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) according to JIS K720 standard (Japan): the sample bars used for the test were 150 x 6.5 × 3 mm 3 . e horizontal burning tests (UL-94HB): standard bar specimens are to be 125 ± 5 mm long by 13.0 ± 0.5 mm wide, and provided in the minimum thickness and 3.0 (−0.0 + 0.2) mm thick (ASTM D635-12). Vertical burning test: UL 94 V, the standard bar samples shall be 125 ± 5 mm long x 13.0 ± 0.5 mm wide and supplied in the minimum and maximum thicknesses. e maximum thickness does not exceed 13 mm (ASTM D635-12). e morphology of the samples was carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM, S4800, Japan).

Evaluating the Results of the Coating Adhesion.
Measuring the adhesion with the BEVS 2202/1°C paint film adhesion kit (China) for samples at different concentrations gave the following results (see Figure 1).
For all samples after testing the adhesion (each sample tested 3 times), it was found that there are small films peeling off at the intersection points, and the flaking area occupies not more than 5% of the surface area of the respective network with 2 points in the evaluation criteria. Since then, it shows that the adhesion of the coating is not at optimal level but has met the adhesion requirement.

Evaluating the Result of the Coating's Hardness.
Hardness tests (conducted from pencil hardness 6B to 6H) for samples at different concentrations are shown in Figure 2.
e test results are evaluated as follows: When the coating's surface has a hardness greater than that of a pencil, the pen will slide long over the surface without causing damage.
When the coating's surface is of a hardness equivalent to that of a pencil, the coating surface will be slightly scratched.
When the coating's surface has hardness less than pencil hardness, the coating surface will be severely damaged, depending on pencil hardness.     From Figure 2, it shows that all three samples (each sample tested 3 times) were severely damaged when the pencil of 6H hardness slid across the surface and was slightly scratched when the 5H hardness slipped across the surface; thus the coating's surface has a hardness equivalent to that of 5H hardness of pencil.
Based on the hardness scale, all three samples have a hardness corresponding to the 5H hardness of the pencil, showing that the film samples coated on epoxy substrate in the presence of fly ash and multi-wall carbon nanotubes have very stiffness high.

Evaluating the Results of the Flexural Strength of the Coating.
e flexural strength of the film is expressed as the diameter of the smallest cylindrical shaft, on which the coating has not deformed. Record the diameter of the first deformed batch, and repeat the test of the same size three times on new sheets, the average result being the end result to be obtained. Figure 3 shows the flexural strength results of the cylindrical shafts with diameters of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,8,10,12,13,16,19,20,25, and 32 mm included in the hinge set.
ese samples were carried out using the same method with the test sample at different volumes. From Figure 3, on the set of coating flexural test hinges, at a cylindrical shaft with a minimum diameter of 2 mm, all three test pieces are undistorted, showing the flexural strength of the three respective test pieces with a minimum shaft diameter of 2 mm, meeting good flexural strength requirements for epoxy-based films in the presence of fly ash and multi-wall carbon nanotubes.

Tested according to Method UL 94 HB and LOI.
From Figure 4, the results of the dispersion of MWCNTs into the epoxy binder clearly have an effect on the improved fire resistance of the coating. When the combustible material MWCNTs form uniform and sealed coal coatings on the surface of the material, it slows down the diffusion of oxygen, thus preventing the development of the fire. e formation of a layer of coal (ash) spread evenly on the surface of the material prevents the penetration of the fire and helps extinguish the burning process. is proves that the fire resistance of the material is significantly improved. anks to the properties of the flame retardant mechanism, the flame retardant properties of the material have been improved. Two samples of flame retardant coating F2, F3 are evaluated to achieve HB level through the horizontal fire method according to UL 94 standard; both samples stop burning before 25 mm mark after 30 s ignition time (see Figure 5). For F2 sample, the coating after the ignition does not ignite but forms a coal layer and shows good fire resistance and conditions for assessment according to the vertical fire standard. e results of the process of dispersing MWCNTs into epoxy clearly affected the improved fire resistance of the nanocomposite coating. A barrier-like protective layer made up of nanoparticles that are inherently heat-resistant and hold heat slows down oxygen diffusion and prevents flammable volatiles from within the material, limiting the heat transfer to the material thus reducing the retention time of the combustion. But if the MWCNTs content exceeds the threshold (1.5% mass fraction) leading to a decrease in the compatibility with epoxy resin and the accumulation of nanoparticles, the excess nanoparticles create holes in the main material. is factor is responsible for the reduction of the mechanical strength compared to the 1% nano-mass sample. us, 1% of MWCNTs is the most suitable content for epoxy resin-based nanocomposite coating to ensure high fire retardation.
Tested according to method UL 94 V, the flame retardancy of the coating film is further evaluated by the UL94 V method; the results are presented in Table 4. Table 4, shows that the nanocomposite coatings with fire retardant additives including nano-and basic constituents have a good fire resistance. Total burning time (t1 + t2) of three samples (F1, F2, F3) reach Vo level (t1 + t2 ≤ 50 s). Obviously, MWCNTs played a very important role in enhancing the fire resistance of the coatings and the optimum amount of MWCNTs is 1 wt.%.
From the flammability test results between two samples F2, F3 and the steel surface of the two samples when peeling off the coating after fire ( Figure 6), it shows the fire resistance of the sample presents fly ash additive and multi-walled nanocarbon tubes achieve very high efficiency. For sample F3, after the sample burns, a hard coal layer formed by the presence of fly ash and multi-walled nanocarbon tubes increases heat resistance. For F2 sample, the sample does not burn after ignition but creates a layer of coal that swells thanks to the presence of a mixture of flame retardant additives (APP, PER, melamine) and another layer of coal formed by multi-wall nanocarbon tubes making F2 model has a superior ability to prevent combustion compared to F3.
In Figure 7, after burning, on the coating surface there is a blister layer of coal; this layer of coal is examined under the scanning electron microscope (SEM); Figure 7(b) shows that the coal layer is swelling. It has a variety of small pore structures such as foam in the coal-coating structure of the coating, thereby explaining the water-loss reaction mechanism of PER to make coal and the gaseous mechanism of melamine compounds in a temperature range fit. Furthermore, the swelling coal layer has a small pore structure that creates a high insulation effect for the protective material, and the interaction of fly ash additive and multi-wall nanocarbon pipes not only enhances the mechanical properties of the coating but also has the ability to retard the coating film on metal surfaces.

Mechanical Properties of the Nanocomposite Coating.
e mechanical properties of the nanocomposite coating with different MWCNTs: 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% by volume, are presented in Figure 8. From Figure 8, it was found that the MWCNTs content in epoxy increased, and the mechanical strength increased. However, when increasing up to 1.5% of MWCNTs, the increase in mechanical strength is not high compared to that of the material when adding 1% of MWCNTs. Samples containing 1% by weight of MWCNTs are relatively more resistant to impact, tensile strength, International Journal of Chemical Engineering scratch resistance, and durability than models with 0.5% by weight and 1.5% by weight of MWCNTs. To study the cause of increasing the mechanical strength of the material, SEM (Figure 9) was performed on the fractured surface, showing different fracture surface with different rates of MWCNTs (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt.%).
SEM images (Figure 9) show fairly uniform dispersion for samples added with 1% mass of MWCNTs, and agglomeration of MWCNTs in the resin occurs when dispersion is greater than 1.5% by mass MWCNTs. e fracture surfaces of the nanocomposite coating showed resistance to the brittleness of carbon nanotubes. is indicates that strong adhesion takes place between MWCNTs and epoxy E 240, and good compatibility with flame retardant additives (ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/pentaerythritol (PER), and melamine).
e MWCNTs play an important role in limiting fracture development ( Figure 9) and require greater applied force.
Coarse fracture surface may show enlarged cracks due to crack blocked by polymer networks and MWCNTs as the applied force increases. Make the development trajectory of the crack altered. erefore, the mechanical strength of the coating is significantly improved in the. On the other hand, due to the nanoadditive dispersion and good compatibility in the system, the fire resistance is enhanced, because the    International Journal of Chemical Engineering protective layer by the effect of heat will be uniform and widely distributed. is is very consistent with the results of the measurement of mechanical properties and flame retardant properties above. Figure 10, taken at different points on the mantle fracture surface, shows that the additives are evenly dispersed and show very clear wetting and bonding with epoxy paints. Evidence shows that, after the material is broken, fly ash particles remain on the fracture surface and epoxy surrounds the grain (no gaps around the grain). In that gas, MWCNTs are also distributed evenly and creep into the area of flame retardant additives; there is no phenomenon of clumping and agglomeration, showing good compatibility of the combination MWCNTs-flame retardantsepoxy.

FTIR Analysis.
e coal residues were analyzed using spectroscopic tools to understand the mechanism of the interaction between EG, APP, melamine, boric acid, epoxy, and hardener. e FTIR spectrum of equations F1, F2, F3, and F0 are shown in Figure 11.
From the results of the infrared spectrum of Figure 11, we can see on the spectrum areas of the following groups:

Conclusions
e results of this study show that melamine and boric acids, MWCNTs, and fly ash contribute to improving the insulation properties of the materials but each has its own way. Based on the results of melamine-containing formulations, we infer that melamine acts as a blowing agent and helps coal expansion. e results in this work show that the reactive products of melamine are degraded, while the boric acid remains in charcoal and protects the substrate from fire. When the percentage weight of boric acid has been increased for melamine in the formulation, the fire protection performance is improved. SEM results show that the structure of excess coal becomes porous when the percentage weight MWCNTs has increased; the best result is 1wt.% MWCNTs. MWCNTs created a protective barrier like an insulating coal layer. erefore, the heat flow has decreased to the substrate, and this reduces rear surface temperature. FTIR shows the presence of graphite, phosphate, and B 2 O 3 in residual coal. ese compounds are useful in lowering the temperature of the back panel because of their high thermal stability. e results demonstrate that the addition of fly ash to the coating material has a synergistic effect against fire with other additives. is is an industrial waste. e properties of fly ash are useful and can contribute to the organic coating sector.

Data Availability
e experimental data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.