Adenine as an efficient adsorbent for zinc ions removal from wastewater to in situ form bio-based metal–organic frameworks: A novel approach to preparing fire-safe polymers

In this study, adenine was used as an efficient adsorbent for in situ removal of zinc ions, resulting in the formation of a bio-based metal–organic framework (bioMOF). The as-prepared bioMOF was further used as flame retardant additives to prepare fire-safe polymers. TGA results indicated that the bioMOF can improve the char yield in the EP composites. The EP composite with 8.0 wt% bioMOF displayed a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 31.0% as well as a UL-94 V-0 rating. Additionally, the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and smoke production rate of the EP composite with 8.0 wt% bioMOF declined by 56.3%, 50.5%, and 72.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the EP composite with 8.0 wt% bioMOF also displayed higher glass transition temperature and better tensile strength than the pristine EP. This work provides a novel approach to preparing fire-safe polymers through recycling waste from adsorbent materials of water decontamination.