Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Comparison on the Effect of Diammonium Phosphate and Sodium Silicate as Coating Materials on Fire and Strength Properties of Paper Made from Bagasse Soda Pulp

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
soleiman zaheri 1
Ali Ghasemian 2
Mohammadreza Dehghani Firouzabadi 2
Ghasem Asadpur 3
1 Department of wood technology and department of plant protection, sari university of Agricultural sciences & natural Resources, sari-IRAN
2 Professor, Dept. of Paper Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Wood and Paper Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, P.O.BOX: 4813815739, Gorgan, Iran
3 Associate Prof., Dept. of , Paper Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Wood and Paper Engineering, Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, P.O.BOX:4818168984,Sari, Iran
10.22034/ijwp.2025.2050190.1695
Abstract
Problem definition and objectives: Paper products are inherently flammable and easily burn, which poses serious risks in applications such as wallpaper, door coatings, prefabricated walls, and electrical cable insulation. Therefore, applying flame-retardant treatments is essential to enhance safety and durability. In this study, diammonium phosphate (DAP) and sodium silicate (SS) were employed as halogen- and formaldehyde-free coating materials, along with cationic starch, to improve the fire resistance and mechanical properties of paper made from bagasse soda pulp. The main objective was to evaluate the effects of these coatings on the mechanical and thermal properties of the paper and to propose a simple, low-cost method for producing flame-resistant paper.
Methodology: In the first stage, bagasse soda pulp paper with a basis weight of 125±5 g/m² and a thickness of 0.185±0.05 mm was prepared. Diammonium phosphate and sodium silicate were applied at three concentrations (10, 20, and 30%) together with 10% cationic starch. Coating was carried out in single- and double-sided modes with a coating weight of 25–30 g/m². In the second stage, mechanical properties (tensile, burst, tear), water resistance (Cobb test), and fire resistance (thermal stability, combustion, and vertical flammability) were evaluated, and the results were statistically analyzed and interpreted.
Results: Coating the paper with diammonium phosphate (DAP) and sodium silicate (SS) in the presence of cationic starch improved mechanical properties, water resistance, and fire performance. DAP-coated papers showed superior performance compared to SS, particularly at 20% concentration where tensile strength increased, and at 30% concentration where char yield and thermal stability were significantly enhanced. Vertical flammability tests indicated self-extinguishing behavior in DAP-treated samples. FTIR results confirmed the flame-retardant mechanism in the condensed phase. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the highest char residue in treated samples compared to the untreated control. Flame spread analysis also demonstrated improved fire resistance in treated papers. Overall, both materials reduced thermal decomposition temperature and increased char residue, but DAP was more effective in simultaneously enhancing mechanical and thermal properties.
Conclusion: Overall, DAP-coated paper outperformed SC-coated paper, demonstrating superior properties in fire resistance and mechanical strength. This research confirms that bagasse paper, modified through this method, can achieve excellent fire properties, high flame-retardant efficiency, and halogen/formaldehyde-free emissions. Treated paper sheets produced based on the method in this study can be used as fire-resistant materials.
Keywords
Flame-retardancy
Coating
Fire properties

Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries
Volume 16, Issue 2
Summer 2025
Pages 189-208