Composite material

Abstract

The present specification discloses a composite material and a fire extinguishing device which are applied to a product or an element that is in an abnormal state or has a possibility of an abnormal state so as to be capable of effectively responding to the abnormal state. For example, the composite material or the like can be applied to an article comprising a plurality of products or elements to respond to abnormal heat generation, explosion or fire occurring in one element or product. And prevents or minimizes the propagation of such heat, explosion or fire to an adjacent element or product. The composite material and the like also exhibit excellent workability and storage stability. The present specification may also provide uses of the composite material or the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0043098, dated March 29, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0174269, dated November 28, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This specification discloses composite materials, fire extinguishing devices comprising the composite materials, and the uses of the composite materials and the fire extinguishing devices. Background Technology

[0003] The importance of technologies for handling heat generated from products is increasing, but the handling, maintenance, and control of heat in products consisting of multiple heating elements is a difficult problem.

[0004] For example, it is crucial to prevent phenomena known as TR (Thermal Runaway) or TP (Thermal Propagation) from occurring in battery modules or battery packs. A battery module or battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cells or a plurality of battery modules that are positioned relatively adjacent to each other.

[0005] In such a structure, the phenomenon where abnormal heating, fire, and / or explosion occurring in one battery cell and / or module is chain-propagated to other adjacent battery cells is called a TR or TP phenomenon. For safety reasons, it is essential to manage chain fires or chain explosions caused by such TR or TP phenomena. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] This specification discloses composite materials, fire extinguishing devices, and their applications. This specification aims to disclose composite materials and fire extinguishing devices applied to products or components that have experienced or are likely to experience abnormal conditions, thereby enabling effective response to abnormal conditions.

[0008] For example, the composite materials and fire extinguishing devices disclosed herein are applied to articles comprising multiple products or components, thereby preventing the transmission of an abnormal state occurring in any one product or component to other products or components, or minimizing the transmission of an abnormal state occurring in any one product or component to other products or components.

[0009] Another object of this specification is to disclose composite materials and fire extinguishing devices that have excellent operability and storage stability. Yet another object of this specification is to disclose the uses of composite materials and fire extinguishing devices.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] Unless otherwise stated, among the physical properties mentioned herein, those that are affected by temperature are those measured at room temperature.

[0012] The term room temperature refers to the natural temperature without artificial heating or cooling, meaning, for example, a temperature in the range of about 10°C to 30°C, such as about 23°C or about 25°C.

[0013] Unless otherwise stated, the temperature mentioned in this article is in °C.

[0014] Among the physical properties mentioned in this article, unless otherwise stated, when pressure affects the results, the relevant physical properties are those measured at normal pressure.

[0015] The term atmospheric pressure refers to the natural pressure without any artificial pressurization or depressurization, which is typically in the range of about 700 mmHg to 800 mmHg.

[0016] In this article, when humidity affects the results, the relevant physical properties are those measured at room temperature and normal pressure without human-controlled humidity, unless otherwise stated.

[0017] In this specification, the term "abnormal condition" refers to a state in which abnormal heating, fire and / or explosion has occurred in any product or component, or there is a risk of abnormal heating, fire and / or explosion.

[0018] In this specification, the term "normal condition" refers to the state of any product or component that is free from any abnormal conditions.

[0019] This specification discloses composite materials.

[0020] This specification also discloses a fire extinguishing device incorporating the composite material.

[0021] Fire extinguishing devices include a housing with a sealed internal space and a composite material present in the sealed space.

[0022] For example, a fire extinguishing device may include a housing, and a composite material may be present in the housing. The housing may have a sealed internal space, and the composite material may be present in such a sealed space.

[0023] The shell is a container for holding the composite material. The shell has a sealed space inside. "The shell has a sealed space inside" means that the shell exists such that a sealed space is formed inside the shell, or that the shell exists such that there is a space inside the shell that is not sealed, but the sealed space can be formed in a way that seals the opening. A sealed space means a space formed such that, under normal conditions, components such as the composite material will not substantially leak to the outside.

[0024] In one example, as described below, the housing may include a portion having a WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) within a predetermined range. For instance, as described below, at least the sealed space in which the composite material is present may be substantially surrounded by a portion having a WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) within a predetermined range.

[0025] The casing has venting areas. The term "venting area" can mean an area that is sealed in a first state to maintain a sealed state, but is open in a second state to allow all or part of the material inside the space to be discharged. The second state can mean, for example, an abnormal state as described below, and the first state can mean the normal state as described below. Such venting areas can be formed in a manner described below.

[0026] In one example, the housing may include a WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) within a predetermined range. For instance, in a sealed space inside the housing, the sealed space may be completely surrounded by a material having a WVTR within the range described below. Here, "the sealed space being completely surrounded by a material having a specific WVTR" means that the space is substantially surrounded by that material, for example, meaning that 80% to 100%, 85% to 100%, 90% to 100%, 95% to 100%, or substantially 100% of the area of ​​the housing forming the sealed space has the specific WVTR. The upper limit of WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) can be approximately 10, 9.5, 9, 8.5, 8, 7.5, 7, 6.5, 6, 5.5, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, or 0.001, and its lower limit can be approximately 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5. WVTR can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above; or less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above. By having such a WVTR, the storage stability of composite materials existing inside the sealed space can be ensured, and the fire extinguishing device can more effectively perform its intended fire extinguishing function.

[0027] The unit of WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) can be... And it can be evaluated in the manner described in “6. WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) Evaluation” in the Examples section of this specification.

[0028] The fire extinguishing device is configured to keep the composite material in a sealed space under normal conditions and to effectively release the internal vaporizable substances to the outside under abnormal conditions.

[0029] This effect is described by assuming that the fire extinguishing device is applied to the battery module.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of fire extinguishing device S to the battery module. (As shown in...) Figure 1 In this configuration, the battery module can be configured with multiple adjacent battery cells 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, wherein the fire extinguishing device S can be disposed between the battery cells (e.g., in...). Figure 1 In the middle, between 12 and 13 and / or between 14 and 15).

[0031] Under normal conditions, the fire extinguishing device S contains vaporizable substances. If it is in an abnormal state, the internal substances may be ejected from the fire extinguishing device S through the ventilation area. Figure 1 (The dashed arrow in the image), and the internal material ejected therefrom can respond to heating, flames, and / or explosions under abnormal conditions. Figure 1 The text describes the situation where the internal material of the fire extinguishing device S is ejected from both the upper and lower ends, but the ejection direction is not limited to... Figure 1 The spray direction can be in one direction of the fire extinguishing device S, or in two or more directions.

[0032] In order for the fire extinguishing device to perform its function effectively under abnormal conditions, it is required that the vaporizable substances present inside the casing under normal conditions be stably maintained, that the internal substances can be quickly discharged to the outside when an abnormal condition occurs, and that most of the vaporizable substances present inside the casing under abnormal conditions can be discharged to the outside in a vaporized state and exhausted.

[0033] In order for the fire extinguishing device to function effectively under abnormal conditions, the vaporization rate of the vaporizable material must be maintained appropriately. If the vaporizable material vaporizes at an appropriate rate, it can prevent the collapse of the internal pores due to changes in surface tension and other factors after the latent heat is consumed.

[0034] The fire extinguishing device disclosed in this article can meet the aforementioned requirements.

[0035] Explain the working principle of the fire extinguishing device.

[0036] Figure 2 Only shown individually Figure 1 The fire extinguishing device S in the middle. In such as Figure 1 In the configuration, if abnormal heating, abnormal ignition, and / or abnormal explosion occur in at least one of the battery cells adjacent to the fire extinguishing device S, then as per the configuration... Figure 2 The solid arrow in the image indicates that a certain level or higher of heat is instantaneously applied to the fire extinguishing device. Figure 2 In this configuration, as indicated by the dashed arrows in the sealed internal space of the fire extinguishing device housing 1001, vaporizable substances propagate randomly in all directions within this space. When the WVTR (Weighted Volume Torque) of the portion forming the sealed space of housing 1001 is within the aforementioned range, the vaporized gas cannot be released to the outside, resulting in a very high-pressure state inside housing 1001. In this situation, when the venting zone 1002 of the housing is configured to open instantaneously under a certain or higher level of high pressure, the venting zone 1002 opens instantaneously under high pressure, and the internal gas is rapidly discharged to the outside through the opened venting zone 1002.

[0037] When the WVTR of the housing is high, the internal pressure of the housing 1001 cannot be effectively increased under abnormal conditions. As a result, the opening of the ventilation area 1002 may not be effective, or even when the ventilation area 1002 is opened, the internal pressure may be insufficient. As a result, all internal gas may not be able to be discharged to the outside and may not be exhausted, or an appropriate discharge rate may not be ensured.

[0038] By keeping the WVTR of the casing low, the storage stability of the internal substances can be effectively ensured under normal conditions.

[0039] There are no particular limitations on the method used to form the ventilated area 1002. The ventilated area can be formed by designing it such that when a certain level of pressure and / or heat is applied to certain areas of the housing forming the sealed space, those areas can be opened. For example, if some areas of the housing forming the sealed space are configured to have lower strength than other areas, the lower-strength portions can be opened by increasing the internal pressure. Furthermore, the sealed space can be formed by sealing using a hot-melt material or the like, or by a method in which opening occurs through melting at a predetermined temperature. In another method, the ventilated area can be formed by making only certain portions of the housing forming the sealed space thinner than other areas. Those skilled in the art can readily employ such methods for forming ventilated areas.

[0040] For example, when a fire extinguishing device is applied to a battery module or battery pack, the housing can be a rectangular, bag-shaped, and / or cylindrical housing with the same shape as the battery cell for ease of application. In this case, the ventilation area can also be formed by controlling the bonding strength of the cover that forms the sealed space in the rectangular or cylindrical housing.

[0041] The shell can be formed using known materials, provided that it satisfies the WVTR described above, wherein the material can have a single-layer structure or two or more layers.

[0042] For example, the shell can be formed using materials with appropriate organic and / or inorganic layers that can exhibit WVTR within the above range.

[0043] As an organic layer, known polymer films or sheets can be used, for example. Examples of organic films include: cellulose-based polymer films; COP (cyclic olefin copolymer) films; acrylic polymer films; polyolefin films; PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) films; PVC (polyvinyl chloride) films; PES (polyethersulfone) films; PEEK (polyether ether ketone) films; PPS (polyphenyl sulfone) films; PEI (polyetherimide) films; PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) films; polyester films, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films; PI (polyimide) films; PSF (polysulfone) films; and / or PAR (polyarylate) films; etc.

[0044] For example, a metal layer, a metal oxide layer, a metal nitride layer, or a metal oxynitride layer can be used as the inorganic layer. For example, the inorganic layer can be a metal layer, a metal oxide layer, a metal nitride layer, or a metal oxynitride layer, comprising one or more of the following: In, Sn, Pb, Au, Cu, Ag, Zr, Hf, Zn, Al, Si, La, Ti, and Ni. For example, a foil, sheet, or film of the aforementioned material can be applied, or a layer formed by depositing a metal layer, a metal oxide layer, a metal nitride layer, or a metal oxynitride layer on a suitable substrate can be used.

[0045] The material forming the shell can be any single layer selected from inorganic and organic layers, or a multilayer structure in which two or more of the layers are laminated.

[0046] The thickness of the inorganic and / or organic layers is selected considering physical properties (e.g., desired WVTR) and is not particularly limited. For example, the lower limit of the thickness can be approximately 1 μm, 5 μm, 10 μm, 15 μm, 20 μm, 25 μm, or 30 μm, and the upper limit can be approximately 5,000 μm, 4,000 μm, 3,000 μm, 2,000 μm, 1,000 μm, 500 μm, 200 μm, 150 μm, 100 μm, 90 μm, 80 μm, 70 μm, 60 μm, 50 μm, 40 μm, or 30 μm. The thickness may be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above; or greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above.

[0047] Fire extinguishing devices may include additional constructions to enable them to function more effectively.

[0048] For example, a fire extinguishing device may also include a heat-conducting layer. Such a heat-conducting layer may be present in a suitable location within the fire extinguishing device; for example, the heat-conducting layer may be present between the housing and the composite material described below.

[0049] Figure 3 For among them Figure 2 This is an example of adding a heat-conducting layer 2001 to a fire extinguishing device. For example, in... Figure 3 In this process, the thermally conductive layer may exist between the housing 1001 and the composite material, but its location is not limited to this. The thermally conductive layer may exist in other locations, such as inside the housing, and the number of such layers may be one, two, or more.

[0050] The term "thermal conductive layer" refers to a layer whose thermal conductivity (based on 20°C) falls within the range described below. The lower limit of the thermal conductivity (based on 20°C) of the thermal conductive layer can be approximately 15, 18, 20, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, or 400, and its upper limit can be approximately 2,000, 1,500, 1,000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, or 50. Thermal conductivity can be greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above. The unit of thermal conductivity is W / mK.

[0051] There are no particular restrictions on the type of thermally conductive layer, as long as it has the stated thermal conductivity. Typically, metallic materials can be used as the thermally conductive layer due to their excellent thermal conductivity properties. For example, layers made of metallic materials (such as aluminum, gold, pure silver, tungsten, copper, nickel, or platinum) can be applied.

[0052] There are no particular limitations on the thickness of the heat-conducting layer; the appropriate thickness can be set by considering factors such as the specifications of the fire extinguishing device. For example, the lower limit of the thickness of the heat-conducting layer can be approximately 1 μm, 5 μm, 10 μm, 15 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, or 90 μm, and its upper limit can be approximately 500 μm, 400 μm, 300 μm, 200 μm, 100 μm, 50 μm, 40 μm, or 30 μm. The thickness can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above; greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above; or less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while simultaneously being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, in some cases, the heat generated under abnormal conditions may not be applied evenly to the extinguishing device, but may be applied locally to only certain areas. However, in order to rapidly vaporize the vaporizable material inside the extinguishing device to achieve a high-pressure state, the heat under abnormal conditions must be applied evenly to the extinguishing device. In the presence of a heat-conducting layer, even if the heat under abnormal conditions is applied locally, the heat-conducting layer can rapidly transfer the relevant heat throughout the extinguishing device, and thus the extinguishing effect of the extinguishing device as described above can occur quickly and effectively.

[0054] This specification discloses composite materials that can exist in the sealed space of a fire extinguishing device.

[0055] The term composite material refers to a material containing two or more components. The material may further contain other components, as long as it contains at least two components.

[0056] The composite material can exhibit an appropriate level of weight change rate. The weight change rate is the result of the assessment based on "3. Weight Change Rate Evaluation" in this specification.

[0057] For example, according to the "3. Weight Change Rate Assessment" above, the upper limit of the weight change rate of the composite material under 10% strain and pressure conditions can be approximately 3%, 2.8%, 2.6%, 2.4%, 2.2%, 2%, 1.8%, 1.6%, or 1.4%, and its lower limit can be approximately 0%, 0.5%, or 1%. The weight change rate can be less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above; or less than or equal to, and greater than, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above. It is more appropriate when the weight change rate is less than or equal to, or less than the lower of the upper limits listed above.

[0058] The same weight change rate as described above means that the composite material appropriately retains the vaporizable substances described below, and that these vaporizable substances are stably maintained even when a certain level of stress is applied. Therefore, such a composite material can exhibit appropriate properties under abnormal conditions.

[0059] To maintain the weight change rate at the above level, the components and ratios applied to the composite material can be controlled.

[0060] Composite materials may contain vaporizable substances. In some cases, such vaporizable substances may be supported within inorganic gels and / or inorganic fibers, as described below. The term vaporizable substance means a substance that vaporizes at a given temperature. Such vaporizable substances may exist in the liquid phase at room temperature (25°C). Such vaporizable substances can be used to reduce heat or extinguish flames caused by ignition and / or explosion in abnormal conditions of targets adjacent to fire extinguishing devices, through heat exchange, etc. Such vaporizable substances can rapidly vaporize in abnormal conditions, thereby increasing the pressure in a sealed space, opening ventilation areas, and venting to the outside through the opened ventilation areas.

[0061] As a vaporizable substance, any substance can be used without any particular restrictions, as long as it is vaporizable and non-flammable. For example, a solvent having a freezing point and / or boiling point within a predetermined range can be used as a vaporizable substance.

[0062] For example, the lower limit of the freezing point of a vaporizable substance can be around -5°C, -4°C, -3°C, -2°C, -1°C, or 0°C, and its upper limit can be around 10°C, 9°C, 8°C, 7°C, 6°C, 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, or 2°C. The freezing point can be less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the above-listed upper limits; or greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the above-listed lower limits; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the above-listed upper limits, while simultaneously greater than or equal to, or greater than any lower limit selected from the above-listed lower limits. The freezing point is the freezing point at 1 atmosphere.

[0063] In order for a vaporizable substance to respond effectively to an anomalous state, it may be advantageous for it to be a substance that is at least thermally vaporizable by the anomalous state, and for this purpose, the boiling point of the vaporizable substance can be controlled.

[0064] The lower limit of the boiling point of a vaporizable substance can be approximately 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, or 95°C, and the upper limit can be approximately 120°C, 115°C, 110°C, or 105°C. The boiling point can be less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the above-listed upper limits; or greater than or equal to, or greater than any lower limit selected from the above-listed lower limits; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the above-listed upper limits, and simultaneously greater than or equal to, or greater than any lower limit selected from the above-listed lower limits. The boiling point is the boiling point at 1 atmosphere.

[0065] As a vaporizable substance, any suitable type can be selected and used without any particular restrictions, provided that it has a freezing point and / or boiling point within the above range and is non-flammable. A representative example of such a vaporizable substance is water; therefore, water can be used as a vaporizable substance, but the types of vaporizable substances applicable are not limited to those mentioned above.

[0066] The lower limit of the proportion of vaporizable material in the composite material can be, for example, approximately 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, or 80 wt%, and the upper limit can be approximately 95 wt%, 90 wt%, 85 wt%, 80 wt%, 75 wt%, 70 wt%, 65 wt%, 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt%. This proportion can be greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above. Desired properties, such as heat absorption, can be achieved by adjusting the content of vaporizable material.

[0067] This ratio is calculated when the total weight of all materials present in the composite material is 100% by weight.

[0068] Composite materials may contain additional components to ensure adequate fire extinguishing performance and rate of weight change.

[0069] The composite material may also contain inorganic gels and / or inorganic fibers. Such inorganic gels and / or inorganic fibers enable the composite material to exhibit the aforementioned rate of change of weight characteristics and, if necessary, can be used to support some or all of the aforementioned components, such as vaporizable substances.

[0070] Inorganic gels can be, for example, oxide networks formed through a so-called sol-gel process. Such oxide networks can include networks of inorganic elements linked by oxygen atoms. Inorganic elements can be exemplified as one or more selected from silicon, titanium, zirconium, niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten. For example, if the inorganic element is silicon, the inorganic gel can be a silicon gel.

[0071] The desired rate of weight change can be achieved by factors such as the network density, functional groups, and content in the inorganic gel.

[0072] The lower limit of the proportion of inorganic gel in the composite material can be, for example, approximately 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 2.5 wt%, 3 wt%, 3.5 wt%, 4 wt%, 4.5 wt%, or 5 wt%, and its upper limit can be, for example, approximately 20 wt%, 19 wt%, 18 wt%, 17 wt%, 16 wt%, 15 wt%, 14 wt%, 13 wt%, 12 wt%, 11 wt%, 10 wt%, 9 wt%, 8 wt%, 7 wt%, 6 wt%, 5 wt%, 4 wt%, 3 wt%, or 2 wt%. This proportion can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above. This proportion is calculated with the total weight of all materials present in the composite material being 100 wt%.

[0073] In another example, the lower limit of the content ratio of inorganic gel relative to 100 parts by weight of vaporizable material can be approximately 1.5 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 9.5 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, or 20 parts by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 30 parts by weight, 25 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 4 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, or 2 parts by weight. This ratio can be greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or the ratio can be less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above.

[0074] Since inorganic gels with appropriate networks and functional groups are included in the above range, the desired rate of weight change can be achieved.

[0075] As inorganic fibers, for example, inorganic fibers commonly used to form thermal insulation materials can be used, and examples of such fibers can be exemplified as so-called glass fibers and / or ceramic fibers. Such inorganic fibers can exist in the form of, for example, woven or nonwoven fabrics. Within the category of woven or nonwoven fabrics, objects referred to as paper, wool, or blankets can also be included.

[0076] For example, as inorganic fibers, ceramic paper, ceramic paper using organic / inorganic binders, binder-free fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, glass mats, basalt fibers, basalt mats, aramid fabrics, silica mats, oxpan carbon mats, carbon fiber mats, and / or melamine fibers can be used, and organic binders can also be used. When inorganic fibers are used, they can exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, and materials such as gels and heat absorbers can be uniformly positioned within the substrate. The stability is increased because the sol is easily absorbed.

[0077] The properties of inorganic fibers can be adjusted according to the intended purpose.

[0078] For example, inorganic fibers can have a moisture absorption rate according to ASTM-C 1511 within a predetermined range. For example, the lower limit of the moisture absorption rate can be approximately 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, or 61%, and its upper limit can be approximately 100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, or 65%. The moisture absorption rate can be evaluated in the manner described in “8. Moisture Absorption Rate (Water Retention) Evaluation” in the Examples section of this specification. The moisture absorption rate can be greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above. By using inorganic fibers with such moisture absorption rates, an appropriate rate of weight change can be ensured.

[0079] Inorganic fibers, when contained within a composite material, can exhibit moisture absorption rates within the above range. Therefore, for example, if inorganic fibers are contained within a composite material in the form of a woven or nonwoven fabric, the woven or nonwoven fabric can exhibit the above moisture absorption rates.

[0080] For example, the lower limit of the tensile strength of inorganic fibers can be approximately 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50, 70, 90, 95, or 100, and its upper limit can be approximately 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 80, 60, 40, 20, 15, or 10. Tensile strength can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above. The unit of tensile strength is kPa.

[0081] For example, the lower limit of the compressive strength of inorganic fibers can be approximately 1, 5, 8, 10, 50, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 145, or 150, and its upper limit can be approximately 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, or 10. The compressive strength can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above. The unit of compressive strength is kPa.

[0082] For example, the lower limit of the Young's modulus of inorganic fibers can be approximately 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3, and its upper limit can be approximately 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4. The Young's modulus can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the above-listed upper limits; or greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the above-listed lower limits; or less than or equal to any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the above-listed upper limits, while simultaneously greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the above-listed lower limits. The unit of Young's modulus is MPa.

[0083] Inorganic fibers, when contained in a composite material, can exhibit at least one of the tensile strength, compressive strength, and Young's modulus within the above-mentioned ranges. Therefore, for example, if the inorganic fibers are contained in the composite material in the form of a woven or nonwoven fabric, the woven or nonwoven fabric can exhibit at least one of the tensile strength, compressive strength, and Young's modulus within the above-mentioned ranges. Tensile strength, compressive strength, and Young's modulus can be measured according to the KS K ISO 9073-3 standard.

[0084] Composite materials with desired properties can be formed by applying inorganic fibers exhibiting tensile strength, compressive strength, and / or Young's modulus within the above range.

[0085] The lower limit of the density of inorganic fibers can be approximately 0.01, 0.05, or 0.1, and the upper limit can be approximately 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0.3. The density can be less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the above-listed upper limits; or greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the above-listed lower limits; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the above-listed upper limits, while simultaneously greater than or equal to, or greater than any lower limit selected from the above-listed lower limits. The unit of density is g / cm³. 3 .

[0086] Inorganic fibers, when contained in a composite material, can exhibit densities within the range described above. Therefore, for example, if inorganic fibers are contained in a composite material in the form of a woven or nonwoven fabric, the woven or nonwoven fabric can exhibit the density described above.

[0087] When inorganic fibers are incorporated in the form of woven or nonwoven fabrics, the thickness of the woven or nonwoven fabric can be selected from a range capable of exhibiting the aforementioned characteristics. For example, the lower limit of the thickness can be approximately 0.01 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, and its upper limit can be approximately 100 mm, 50 mm, 30 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm, or 4 mm. The thickness can be less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above; or greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above.

[0088] The lower limit of the proportion of inorganic fibers in the composite material can be, for example, approximately 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, 7 wt%, 9 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, or 20 wt%, and the upper limit can be approximately 60 wt%, 40 wt%, 30 wt%, 25 wt%, 20 wt%, 15 wt%, or 10 wt%. This proportion can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits listed above. This proportion is calculated with the total weight of all materials present in the composite material being 100 wt%.

[0089] In another example, the lower limit of the weight ratio of inorganic fibers relative to 100 parts by weight of vaporizable material can be approximately 0.5 parts by weight, 1 part by weight, 5 parts by weight, 7 parts by weight, 7.5 parts by weight, 8 parts by weight, 8.5 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 60 parts by weight, 70 parts by weight, or 75 parts by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 100 parts by weight, 95 parts by weight, 90 parts by weight, 85 parts by weight, 80 parts by weight, 75 parts by weight, 70 parts by weight, 65 parts by weight, 60 parts by weight, 55 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 45 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 25 parts by weight, or 20 parts by weight. This ratio can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above.

[0090] When inorganic fibers and inorganic gels are present simultaneously, the inorganic gel can adhere to the inorganic fibers, or the inorganic gel and inorganic fibers can exist in an entangled state. For example, as described below, the above structure can be achieved by a gelation process in the presence of inorganic fibers, thereby enabling the composite material to more effectively perform the desired properties and functions, such as the rate of weight change.

[0091] Composite materials may also contain ionic compounds. The term ionic compound is a compound that is capable of dissociating to form ions, examples of which include acids, bases, and salts.

[0092] The ionic compound can be a catalyst used to form an inorganic gel, or a freezing point modifier or carbonization catalyst as described below. The ionic compound can be contained in the composite material in an undissociated state (i.e., a non-ionic state), or it can be contained in the composite material in a state in which it forms ions through dissociation.

[0093] Ionic compounds play a crucial role in the formation of inorganic gels with desired network structures and functional groups, and in allowing composite materials to exhibit the desired effects over a wide temperature range.

[0094] As described below, inorganic gels can be formed by polymerizing metal alkoxides within a vaporizable substance (sol-gel process). Metal alkoxides possess condensable functional groups, and these condensable functional groups typically exhibit polarity. Therefore, the density and polarity of the network structure of the inorganic gel formed by alkoxide polymerization can be determined by the residual amount of condensable functional groups. Simultaneously, the presence of ionic compounds can induce a so-called freezing point depression phenomenon in vaporizable substances. The freezing point of the medium in which polymerization occurs is related to the attractive forces between the constituent molecules of the medium and their molecular energy. Therefore, ionic compounds, along with the polymerization temperature, affect the polymerization efficiency, and consequently become a factor determining the network density or degree of crosslinking of the inorganic gel, as well as the residual amount of condensable functional groups.

[0095] Furthermore, by determining the solidification point based on the addition of ionic compounds, the composite material can stably exhibit the desired effect even at relatively low temperatures, and the carbonization layer formation efficiency of the carbonizable organic material, as described below, can also be determined.

[0096] For example, ionic compounds can be used such that the following equation 1... The quantity that falls within the predetermined range exists.

[0097] [Equation 1]

[0098]

[0099] In equation 1, K f Let M be the freezing point depression constant of the vaporizable substance, M be the molar concentration of the ionic compound relative to the vaporizable substance, and I be the number of moles of ions produced when 1 mole of the ionic compound dissociates.

[0100] K in Equation 1 f K is the freezing point depression constant for a vaporizable substance, and its unit is K / m or °C / m. For example, if the vaporizable substance is water, then K... f It is 1.86.

[0101] In Equation 1, M is the molar concentration of the freezing point regulator, which is relative to the molar concentration of the vaporizable substance. Therefore, M is the number of moles of ionic compounds present per 1 kg of vaporizable substance in the composite material.

[0102] In Equation 1, I is the number of ions (moles) formed from 1 mole of the ionic compound when the ionic compound dissociates, where dissociation means the state in which the freezing point regulator is completely dissociated.

[0103] When multiple ionic compounds, acting as two or more, are present in the composite material, calculate the composition of each compound. And the sum of these values ​​is used as the composite material. value.

[0104] In Equation 1 The lower limit can be, for example, around 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25, and the upper limit can be around 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, or 15. It can be within a range greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above; or within a range less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above; or within a range less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above. In Equation 1... The unit is °C. The above objective can be achieved by adjusting the content of ionic compounds within the above range.

[0105] In order for the ionic compounds contained in the above-mentioned substances to exert their proper effects, the solubility of the ionic compounds in vaporizable substances (e.g., water) can be adjusted.

[0106] For example, the lower limit of solubility of ionic compounds in 100 g of water at 25°C can be 10 g, 15 g, 20 g, 25 g, 30 g, 35 g, 40 g, 45 g, 50 g, 55 g, 60 g, 65 g, 70 g, 75 g, 80 g, 85 g, 90 g, 95 g, 100 g, 110 g, 115 g, 120 g, 125 g, 130 g, 135 g, 140 g, 145 g, 150 g, 155 g, 160 g, 165 g, 170 g, 175 g, 180 g, 185 g, 190 g, 195 g, 200 g, 205 g, 210 g, 215 g, 225 g, 230 g, 235 g, 240 g, 255 g, 260 g, 265 g. The weights are approximately 270 g, 275 g, 280 g, 285 g, 290 g, 295 g, 300 g, 305 g, 310 g, 315 g, or 320 g, with upper limits of approximately 1,000 g, 900 g, 800 g, 700 g, 600 g, 500 g, 400 g, 350 g, 345 g, 340 g, 335 g, 330 g, 325 g, 320 g, 315 g, 310 g, 305 g, 300 g, 295 g, 290 g, 280 g, 275 g, 270 g, 265 g, 260 g, 255 g, 250 g, 245 g, 240 g, 235 g, 230 g, 225 g, 220 g, 215 g, 210 g, 205 g. The solubility is approximately 30 g, 200 g, 195 g, 190 g, 185 g, 180 g, 175 g, 170 g, 165 g, 160 g, 155 g, 150 g, 145 g, 140 g, 135 g, 130 g, 125 g, 120 g, 115 g, 110 g, 105 g, 100 g, 95 g, 90 g, 85 g, 80 g, 75 g, 70 g, 65 g, 60 g, 55 g, 50 g, 45 g, 40 g, 35 g, or 30 g. The solubility can be greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above. Solubility is defined as the weight (g) of an ionic compound that is soluble in up to 100 g of water at 25°C. Solubility can be evaluated in the manner described in “7. Solubility Evaluation” of the Examples section of this specification.

[0107] The lower limit of solubility of ionic compounds in 100 g of water at 0 °C can be approximately 10 g, 15 g, 20 g, 25 g, 30 g, 35 g, 40 g, 45 g, 50 g, 55 g, 60 g, 65 g, 70 g, 75 g, 80 g, 85 g, 90 g, 95 g, 100 g, 110 g, 115 g, 120 g, 125 g, 130 g, 135 g, 140 g, 145 g, 150 g, 155 g, 160 g, 165 g, 170 g, 175 g, 180 g, 185 g, 190 g, 195 g, 200 g, 205 g, 210 g, or 215 g, and the upper limit can be approximately 1,000 g, 900 g, 800 g, 700 g, 600 g, or 500 g. g, 400 g, 300 g, 250 g, 245 g, 240 g, 235 g, 230 g, 225 g, 220 g, 215 g, 210 g, 205 g, 200 g, 195 g, 190 g, 185 g, 180 g, 175 g, 170g, 165 g, 160 g, 155 g, 150 g, 145 g, 140 g, 135 g, 130 g, 125 g, 120 g, 115 g, 110 g, 105 g, 100 g, 95 g, 90 g, 85 g, 80 g, 75 g, 70 g, 65 g, 60 g, 55 g, 50 g, 45 g, 40 g, 35 g, or about 30g. Solubility can be greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected arbitrarily from the list above; or less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected arbitrarily from the list above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected arbitrarily from the list above. Solubility is the weight (g) of an ionic compound that is soluble in a maximum of 100 g of water at 0 °C. Solubility can be evaluated in the manner described in “7. Solubility Evaluation” of the Examples section of this specification.

[0108] The type of ionic compound is determined according to the purpose, and there are no particular limitations. For example, ionic compounds with a freezing point lowering effect can be exemplified by one or more of formate, acetate, carbonate, and sulfate. Specifically, for example, one or more of the following substances can be used as ionic compounds: sodium acetate (CH3COONa), sodium formate (HCOONa), potassium acetate (CH3COOK), potassium formate (HCOOK), calcium formate ((HCOO)2Ca), magnesium formate ((HCOO)2Mg), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), and ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4).

[0109] For example, relative to 100 parts by weight of a vaporizable substance, the lower limit of the weight of the ionic compound used to adjust the freezing point can be approximately 5 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 25 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 45 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, or 55 parts by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 200 parts by weight, 150 parts by weight, 100 parts by weight, 95 parts by weight, 90 parts by weight, 85 parts by weight, 80 parts by weight, 75 parts by weight, 70 parts by weight, 65 parts by weight, 60 parts by weight, 55 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 45 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, or 30 parts by weight. This ratio can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above.

[0110] When an ionic compound other than the ionic compound that acts as a freezing point regulator (e.g., an ionic compound that acts as a carbonization catalyst as described below, or an acid or base added to form an inorganic gel) is added to the composite material, all the ionic compounds present in the composite material can be used to achieve the effect shown in Equation 1. The quantity that falls within the predetermined range exists.

[0111] Composite materials can include a carbonization catalyst and carbonizable organic matter as additional components. The combination of these components allows for the formation of carbides of the carbonizable organic matter at a necessary point in time (e.g., under abnormal conditions). The resulting carbides can inhibit heat transfer. The carbonization catalyst can promote the carbonization process of the carbonizable organic matter, etc. The carbonization catalyst can form acids or acid-based salts or ions at high temperatures, and such components can play a role in promoting carbonization and gas generation processes. Furthermore, depending on the type of carbonization catalyst, it can impart flame retardancy to the carbides or form components that exhibit flame retardancy independently. For example, the carbonization catalyst can form phosphoric acid-based substances by decomposition at high temperatures, and such substances can polymerize to possess flame retardancy. Therefore, the inclusion of a carbonization catalyst in the composite material enables the composite material to respond effectively to abnormal conditions.

[0112] The carbonization catalyst and the carbonizable organic material need to be applied together with the vaporizable material, where a catalyst with a solubility in the vaporizable material (e.g., water) above a certain level must be used as the carbonization catalyst. That is, since the components dispersed in the vaporizable material come into contact with and interact with each other more effectively at the necessary time points, the desired carbides, etc., can be formed effectively. Furthermore, by adjusting the solubility of the carbonization catalyst in the vaporizable material, agglomeration or phase separation of components within the composite material can be prevented, and the formation of carbides and / or flame retardants as described above can be carried out more effectively. For example, the lower limit of the solubility of the carbonization catalyst in a vaporizable substance or water may be approximately 5 g, 10 g, 15 g, 20 g, 25 g, 30 g, 35 g, or 40 g, and its upper limit may be approximately 1000 g, 900 g, 800 g, 700 g, 600 g, 500 g, 400 g, 300 g, 200 g, 100 g, 90 g, 80 g, 70 g, 60 g, 50 g, 40 g, or 30 g. Solubility can be greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above. Solubility is the weight (g) of the carbonization catalyst that is soluble in a maximum of 100 g of solvent (e.g., water) at 25°C. Solubility was measured in the manner described in “7. Solubility Evaluation” of the Examples section of this specification.

[0113] Carbonization catalysts can be used without any particular restrictions, provided they can decompose at high temperatures to form acids or acid-based salts or ions and possess the aforementioned solubility. Examples of carbonization catalysts include phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid compounds such as phosphates, phosphonate compounds, or phosphate compounds. Carbonization catalysts can be, for example, primary or secondary ammonium phosphates, urea phosphate, amidourea phosphate, or ammonium polyphosphate, and one or more of the foregoing may be selected and used.

[0114] Considering the expected effects, the carbonization catalyst can be present in an appropriate amount. For example, the lower limit of the weight ratio of the carbonization catalyst relative to 100 parts by weight of the vaporizable material can be 0.01 parts by weight, 0.05 parts by weight, 0.1 parts by weight, 0.5 parts by weight, 1 part by weight, 1.5 parts by weight, 2 parts by weight, 2.5 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, 3.5 parts by weight, 4 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 5.5 parts by weight, 6 parts by weight, 6.5 parts by weight, 7 parts by weight, 7.5 parts by weight, 8 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 10 The ratio can be approximately 0 parts by weight, 150 parts by weight, 200 parts by weight, 250 parts by weight, 300 parts by weight, 350 parts by weight, 400 parts by weight, 450 parts by weight, or 500 parts by weight, and its upper limit can be approximately 1,000 parts by weight, 900 parts by weight, 800 parts by weight, 700 parts by weight, 600 parts by weight, 500 parts by weight, 400 parts by weight, 100 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, or 5 parts by weight. This ratio can be less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above; or greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above. If the content of the carbonization catalyst is too high, the content of vaporizable material applicable to the composite material is limited, and the vaporization characteristics of the vaporizable material are affected by the carbonization catalyst, which may make it difficult to ensure the desired characteristics. Therefore, the amount of carbonization catalyst can be adjusted.

[0115] Carbonizable organic materials are organic substances that carbonize upon exposure to flame or heat at a predetermined temperature to form carbides. Carbides formed from such organic materials are typically porous and therefore can possess insulating properties. Thus, when composite materials or similar materials are exposed to abnormal heating, fire, or explosion, the organic material can exhibit insulating properties by forming appropriate carbides. As described above, by adding specific carbonization catalysts and carbonizable organic materials to vaporizable materials, even when only small amounts of carbonizable organic materials are applied, carbides capable of effectively responding to abnormal heating, fire, and / or explosion can be formed.

[0116] As an organic material, any suitable type can be used without particular restrictions, as long as it is a material that forms carbides when exposed to heat or flame.

[0117] Examples of such organic materials include: sugars, such as sorbitol or mannitol; polysaccharides, such as starch or dextrin (e.g., MC (maleated cyclodextrin) or metal salts of MC); polyols, such as pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol or THEIC (tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate); cellulose; BSPPO (bis(4-methoxy-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1-sulfide)phenyl phosphate); lignin (alkali lignin or urea-modified lignin); melamine compounds, such as hydroxymethyl melamine; phenolic resins; and / or carbonizable polymers (char-forming polymers), such as PA6T (poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide); and so on, but are not limited thereto.

[0118] Starch is a representative substance that can be used as a carbonizable organic material. Starch is relatively easy to obtain and can form suitable carbides when exposed to heat or flame.

[0119] In order to effectively form carbides and for the formed carbides to effectively exert the desired fire extinguishing or heat insulation effects, the type of starch can be adjusted.

[0120] For example, as starch, a starch containing amylose and amylopectin in proportions adjusted to appropriate levels can be used. As is known, amylopectin and amylose are the main types of polysaccharides found in plants, and starches containing polysaccharides are composed of amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is produced by... (1) 4) Amylose is composed of glucose molecules linked by glycosidic bonds and has a linear chain structure, while amylopectin has relatively short and highly branched chains. Compared with amylopectin, amylose is relatively easier to crystallize, and amylopectin has relatively higher solubility in water than amylose.

[0121] By using starches containing amylose and amylopectin in an appropriate ratio having the aforementioned characteristics, the desired composite material can be provided more effectively.

[0122] For example, in starches containing amylose and amylopectin, the lower limit of the weight ratio of amylopectin to 100 parts by weight of amylose can be approximately 150, 200, 250, or 300 parts by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 900, 850, 800, 750, 700, 650, 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, 350, or 300 parts by weight. This ratio can be less than or equal to, or less than, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above; or greater than or equal to, or greater than any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, or less than any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above. The ratio of amylose to amylopectin can be measured in accordance with the method described in “5. Measurement of amylopectin and amylose content” in the Examples section of this specification.

[0123] As starch, starches with a molecular weight, for example, a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) within a predetermined range can be used. For example, the lower limit of the weight-average molecular weight of starch can be 200,000, 250,000, 300,000, 350,000, 400,000, 450,000, 500,000, 550,000, 600,000, 650,000, 700,000, 750,000, 800,000, 850,000, 900,000, or 950,000. 0, 1,000,000, 1,500,000, 2,000,000, 2,500,000, 3,000,000, 3,500,000, 4,000,000, 4,500,000, 5,000,000, 5,500,000, 6,000,000, 6,500,000, 7,000,000, 7,500,000, 8 The values ​​can be approximately 1,000,000, 8,500,000, 9,000,000, 9,500,000, 10,000,000, 20,000,000, 30,000,000, 40,000,000, or 50,000,000, with an upper limit of 1,000,000,000, 900,000,000, 800,000,000. The molecular weight can be approximately 700,000,000, 600,000,000, 500,000,000, 400,000,000, 300,000,000, 200,000,000, 150,000,000, 100,000,000, 90,000,000, 80,000,000, 70,000,000, or 60,000,000. The molecular weight can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above; or greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above, while simultaneously being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above. When exposed to heat or flame, starch with this molecular weight (Mw) can more effectively form carbides with desired functions (e.g., heat insulation). Molecular weight can be measured according to the method described in "4. Molecular Weight Measurement" of the Examples section of this specification. The unit of molecular weight is g / mol.

[0124] As a carbonizable organic material (e.g., starch), a material with a gelatinization viscosity within a certain range can be used. When the carbonizable organic material is present in a vaporizable substance, such gelatinization viscosity is related to the characteristics of the carbonizable organic material, in which carbides can be formed more effectively by controlling the gelatinization viscosity. The lower limit of the gelatinization viscosity of carbonizable organic materials (e.g., starch) can be around 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, or 1,000, and the upper limit can be around 5,000, 4,500, 4,000, 3,500, 3,000, 2,500, 2,000, 1,500, 1,000, 950, 900, 850, 800, 750, 700, 650, 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, 350, or 300. The gelatinized viscosity can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above; or greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above. The unit of gelatinized viscosity is BU (Brabeder unit).

[0125] The lower limit of the weight ratio of carbonizable organic matter to 100 parts by weight of vaporizable matter can be approximately 0.001 parts by weight, 0.005 parts by weight, 0.01 parts by weight, 0.05 parts by weight, 0.1 parts by weight, 0.5 parts by weight, 1 part by weight, 1.5 parts by weight, 2 parts by weight, 2.5 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, 3.5 parts by weight, 4 parts by weight, 4.5 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 5.5 parts by weight, or 6 parts by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 50 parts by weight, 45 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 25 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 4 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, 2 parts by weight, or 1 part by weight. This ratio can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above; or greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above. Including carbonizable organic materials in such a ratio enables the composite material to effectively form carbides when necessary, and provides excellent overall operability and storage stability.

[0126] The composite material may include a water-absorbing polymer as an optional additional component. A water-absorbing polymer is a polymer that has the property of absorbing water.

[0127] In one instance, the water-absorbing polymer can be a so-called hydrogel polymer or hydrogel, which is generally defined as a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer. Such polymers are also known as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer).

[0128] Hygroscopic polymers are materials that can absorb tens to thousands of times their own weight in water. Such materials allow the composite material to exist in a gel state, thereby performing the function of ensuring operability and storage stability.

[0129] There are no particular restrictions on the type of absorbent polymer, and any polymer that is generally applicable to SAP can be used without limitation.

[0130] Typically, vinyl polymers based on polyacrylates are used as the material. Polyacrylate-based polymers are polymers made from acrylate-based monomers, and other comonomers may be used to form the polymer if necessary.

[0131] In one example, the water-absorbing polymer can be a granular polymer. By applying the water-absorbing polymer, the weight-based size distribution of the granular water-absorbing polymer can be controlled to ensure the desired viscosity characteristics and fire extinguishing function. In this specification, the term "weight-based size distribution of superabsorbent polymer" refers to the size distribution measured according to the EDANA method WSP 220.3 standard, meaning a size distribution in which a sample of particulate superabsorbent polymer is divided into fractions with a size less than 150 μm (hereinafter referred to as "fraction A"), fractions in the range of 150 μm to 300 μm (hereinafter referred to as "fraction B"), fractions in the range of 300 μm to 600 μm (hereinafter referred to as "fraction C"), fractions in the range of 600 μm to 850 μm (hereinafter referred to as "fraction D"), and fractions exceeding 850 μm (hereinafter referred to as "fraction E"), and the weight of each fraction is expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the particulate superabsorbent polymer sample (weight ratio of each fraction).

[0132] In a weight-based size distribution, the maximum weight size of the particulate superabsorbent polymer can range from 150 μm to 850 μm. Here, the maximum weight size is the size of the fraction that exhibits the highest weight ratio among the weight ratios of fractions A, B, C, D, and E. That is, a maximum weight size in the range of 150 μm to 850 μm means that the weight ratio of the particulate superabsorbent polymer belonging to any one or more of fractions B, C, and D shows the maximum value. Since the respective weight ratios of the two fractions are the same, and their weight ratios can also represent the highest value among the respective weight ratios of the total fractions, the fraction with the maximum weight size can also be one or more of them. In one example, the fraction with the maximum weight size can be fraction C among fractions B, C, and D. Therefore, the maximum weight size in the weight-based size distribution can also range from 300 μm to 600 μm.

[0133] The lower limit of the weight ratio in the fraction of the largest weight size in the weight-based size distribution of particulate superabsorbent polymers (i.e., the weight ratio of superabsorbent polymers belonging to the largest weight size in the weight-based size distribution) can be approximately 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 71 wt%, 72 wt%, 73 wt%, or 74 wt%, and its upper limit can be approximately wt%, 95 wt%, 90 wt%, 85 wt%, 80 wt%, 79 wt%, 78 wt%, 77 wt%, 76 wt%, or 75 wt%. The weight ratio can be greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to, any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than, any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above.

[0134] If the maximum weight dimension is too small and / or the weight ratio of the fraction representing the maximum weight dimension is too small, the composite material may not be able to form the desired gel properly, which may reduce its handling and storage properties, or it may not be able to perform its fire extinguishing function. Therefore, this situation may be considered in order to select an appropriate particulate water-absorbing polymer.

[0135] When included, the lower limit of the weight ratio of the water-absorbing polymer relative to 100 parts by weight of the vaporizable material can be approximately 0.01 parts by weight, 0.5 parts by weight, 1 part by weight, 2 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, 4 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 6 parts by weight, 7 parts by weight, 8 parts by weight, or 9 parts by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 50 parts by weight, 45 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 29 parts by weight, 28 parts by weight, 27 parts by weight, 26 parts by weight, 25 parts by weight, 24 parts by weight, 23 parts by weight, 22 parts by weight, 21 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 19 parts by weight, 18 parts by weight, 17 parts by weight, 16 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 14 parts by weight, 13 parts by weight, 12 parts by weight, 11 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 9 parts by weight, 8 parts by weight, 7 parts by weight, 6 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 4 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, or 2 parts by weight. The ratio may be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above; or greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above; or less than or equal to any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above.

[0136] The sealed space or composite material inside the fire extinguishing device contains the above components, and may contain additional components if necessary.

[0137] This specification discloses a method for producing composite materials.

[0138] For example, the method may include the step of polymerizing a precursor solution containing an inorganic gel precursor and a vaporizable substance.

[0139] Polymerization is a process in which relatively low molecular weight substances, such as monomers or oligomers, form a network and simultaneously form high molecular weight components. In this case, the monomers or oligomers can be precursors. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the specific methods by which polymerization is carried out. For example, when the inorganic gel precursor is a condensable precursor as described below, the polymerization process can be a so-called sol-gel process.

[0140] For example, metal alkoxides can be used as precursors. Such precursors are condensable precursors that can form an inorganic gel through a sol-gel process. Metal alkoxides can be specifically exemplified as alkoxides selected from one or more of silicon, titanium, zirconium, niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten. The lower limit of the number of carbon atoms present in the alkoxide can be around 4, 6, 8, or 10, and the upper limit can be around 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, or 8. The number of carbon atoms can be less than or equal to any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected above. For example, a component called liquid glass (sodium silicate) can also be used as a precursor, and such a component can form a silica gel as an inorganic gel.

[0141] The above-mentioned components, such as water, can be used as vaporizable substances.

[0142] To form the desired inorganic gel and composite material, the composition of the precursor solution can be adjusted.

[0143] For example, the content of vaporizable substances in the precursor solution can be adjusted. For instance, the lower limit of the content of vaporizable substances in the precursor solution can be approximately 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 65% by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, or 60% by weight. This content can be less than or equal to, or less than, any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above.

[0144] The lower limit of the weight ratio of the precursor relative to 100 parts by weight of the vaporizable substance in the precursor solution can be approximately 0.001 parts by weight, 0.005 parts by weight, 0.01 parts by weight, 0.05 parts by weight, 0.1 parts by weight, 0.15 parts by weight, 0.2 parts by weight, 0.25 parts by weight, 0.3 parts by weight, 0.4 parts by weight, 0.5 parts by weight, 1 part by weight, 3 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, or 20 parts by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 25 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 4 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, 2 parts by weight, 1 part by weight, or 0.5 parts by weight. This content can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected from the above-listed upper limits, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected from the above-listed lower limits.

[0145] The precursor solution can be formulated to exhibit a pH within a predetermined range. For example, the lower limit of the pH of the precursor solution can be approximately 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, or 7, and its upper limit can be approximately 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, or 7. The pH can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the above-listed upper limits, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the above-listed lower limits.

[0146] To adjust the pH, the precursor solution may also contain a catalyst. Such a catalyst can be one of the ionic compounds described above. There are no particular limitations on the type of catalyst suitable; for example, acid catalysts or base catalysts suitable for general sol-gel processes can be used. Examples of such acid catalysts include, but are not limited to, mixtures of one or more of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, fluorosulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, hexafluorophosphoric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, and examples of base catalysts include, but are not limited to, basic catalysts such as sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, or ammonium chloride.

[0147] The catalyst concentration can be controlled within the pH range that allows the above-mentioned pH values ​​to be achieved. For example, based on the vaporizable substance in the precursor solution, the lower limit of the molar concentration of the catalyst (i.e., the number of moles of catalyst present per 1 kg of vaporizable substance) can be approximately 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.5, 1, or 1.5, and its upper limit can be approximately 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.8, 0.6, or 0.4. The molar concentration can be less than or equal to, or less than any upper limit selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any lower limit selected from the lower limits listed above.

[0148] In addition to catalysts, the precursor solution may also contain ionic compounds. As mentioned above, such ionic compounds can be added to allow the formation of a desired inorganic gel by modulating the molecular energy or intermolecular attraction of the vaporizable substance. Ionic compounds can be exemplified as freezing point modifiers or carbonization catalysts as described above.

[0149] The content of all ionic compounds (including catalysts) present in the precursor solution can be adjusted. This content adjustment controls the flowability of the vaporizable substance, and the resulting flowability affects the polymerization efficiency of the precursor, thereby enabling the formation of the desired inorganic gel at a specific polymerization temperature.

[0150] For example, an ionic compound can be added to make the equation in Equation 1 as described above... It falls within the predetermined range as described above.

[0151] In addition to the aforementioned components, the precursor solution may contain any other necessary components. For example, polymerization may be carried out in the presence of inorganic fibers. Inorganic fibers also affect the polymerization efficiency of the precursor. In this case, the precursor solution may contain the aforementioned inorganic fibers.

[0152] The lower limit of the weight ratio of inorganic fibers relative to 100 parts by weight of vaporizable substances in the precursor solution can be approximately 0.5 parts by weight, 1 part by weight, 5 parts by weight, 7 parts by weight, 7.5 parts by weight, 8 parts by weight, 8.5 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, 15 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 60 parts by weight, 70 parts by weight, or 75 parts by weight, and the upper limit can be approximately 100 parts by weight, 95 parts by weight, 90 parts by weight, 85 parts by weight, 80 parts by weight, 75 parts by weight, 70 parts by weight, 65 parts by weight, 60 parts by weight, 55 parts by weight, 50 parts by weight, 45 parts by weight, 40 parts by weight, 35 parts by weight, 30 parts by weight, 25 parts by weight, or 20 parts by weight. The weight ratio can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits arbitrarily selected from the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits arbitrarily selected from the lower limits listed above.

[0153] The temperature used to polymerize the precursor solution can be controlled. The temperature thus controlled, along with the temperature having the aforementioned... Ionic compounds with high ionic value can help form inorganic gels with the desired shape.

[0154] For example, the lower limit of the polymerization temperature can be approximately 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, or 35°C, and its upper limit can be approximately 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, or 25°C. The polymerization temperature can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above.

[0155] To form the desired composite material, the precursor or a prepolymer of the precursor can be polymerized in the presence of inorganic fibers. For this purpose, polymerization can be carried out in multiple steps. For example, a manufacturing method may include a first step (primary polymerization) of polymerizing a precursor solution to obtain a prepolymer and a second step (secondary polymerization) of polymerizing the precursor or prepolymer in the presence of inorganic fibers to obtain an inorganic gel. The precursor solution applied to the primary polymerization may not contain inorganic fibers. That is, the primary polymerization can be carried out in the absence of inorganic fibers, and the secondary polymerization of the second step can be carried out in the presence of inorganic fibers. That is, after the primary polymerization, the polymeric material can be mixed with inorganic fibers, and further polymerization can be carried out. The precursor of the second step may refer to a precursor that participated in polymerization during the primary polymerization but did not form a prepolymer.

[0156] Primary polymers or prepolymers can be, for example, inorganic sols.

[0157] The polymerization temperature, polymerization time, and / or mixing conditions of the first step can be adjusted.

[0158] The lower limit of the polymerization temperature in the first step can be approximately 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, or 35°C, and the upper limit can be approximately 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, or 25°C. The polymerization temperature can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits listed above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits listed above.

[0159] The first step can be performed while stirring the precursor solution at an appropriate speed. During this process, the lower limit of the stirring speed can be approximately 100 rpm, 150 rpm, 200 rpm, 250 rpm, 300 rpm, 350 rpm, 400 rpm, 450 rpm, or 500 rpm, and the upper limit can be approximately 2,000 rpm, 1,500 rpm, 1,000 rpm, 800 rpm, 600 rpm, 400 rpm, or 300 rpm. The stirring speed can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above.

[0160] The lower limit for the time of an aggregation can be approximately 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes, and the upper limit can be approximately 60 minutes, 55 minutes, 50 minutes, 45 minutes, 40 minutes, 35 minutes, 30 minutes, 25 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 8 minutes, 6 minutes, 4 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, or 30 seconds. This time can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, and greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above.

[0161] By forming a primary polymer (prepolymer or a mixture of prepolymer and precursor) under the above conditions and then carrying out secondary polymerization, the desired composite material can be formed.

[0162] An inorganic gel can be formed by further secondary polymerization of the primary polymer. As described above, the secondary polymerization can be carried out in the presence of inorganic fibers. That is, after primary polymerization, by mixing the inorganic fibers and the primary polymer to meet the above ratio (the ratio of inorganic fibers to 100 parts by weight of vaporizable material), and then further polymerization, the desired inorganic gel can be effectively formed.

[0163] Secondary polymerization can be carried out at an appropriate temperature.

[0164] For example, the lower limit of the polymerization temperature can be around 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, or 25°C, and its upper limit can be around 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, or 25°C. The temperature can be less than or equal to, or less than any of the upper limits selected above, while being greater than or equal to, or greater than any of the lower limits selected above.

[0165] The desired inorganic gel can be obtained by maintaining the mixture of primary polymer and inorganic fibers at the above temperature during secondary polymerization.

[0166] Composite materials can be produced by mixing an inorganic gel formed in this manner with other necessary components of the composite material. The components can be mixed with the inorganic gel after its production, or the components can be mixed into a precursor solution before the inorganic gel production process, or at appropriate points during the inorganic gel production process.

[0167] A fire extinguishing device can be formed by producing a composite material and then placing it in a housing. Alternatively, a fire extinguishing device can be formed by producing a composite material and then placing it in a housing, and by carrying out all or part of the composite material manufacturing process within the housing. For example, by pre-placing inorganic fibers in the housing, injecting a polymer, then performing further polymerization, and further introducing additional components after polymerization; if necessary, the fire extinguishing device and the composite material can also be manufactured simultaneously.

[0168] This specification also discloses electronic devices or apparatuses that utilize fire extinguishing devices.

[0169] There are no particular restrictions on the type of electronic equipment or devices. For example, composite materials or fire extinguishing devices can be used in equipment or devices in which there is a risk of abnormal heating, fire and / or explosion during operation, maintenance and / or storage, and the relevant abnormal phenomena must be controlled.

[0170] Examples of devices or apparatus typically include batteries. In particular, in battery modules constructed using multiple battery cells, it is important to prevent abnormal heating, fire, and / or explosion occurring in one battery cell from spreading to other adjacent battery cells.

[0171] This specification discloses a battery module that includes a fire extinguishing device.

[0172] Such a battery module can generally include: a plurality of battery cells; and a fire extinguishing device disposed between the battery cells.

[0173] If a fire extinguishing device is used, there are no particular restrictions on the specific configuration of the battery module, such as the type of battery cell, and known materials can be used. For example, known pouch-shaped, rectangular, or cylindrical battery cells can be used as battery cells.

[0174] There are no particular limitations on the manufacturing method of the battery module. For example, as mentioned above, a method can be used to manufacture a fire extinguishing device in the form of a battery cell, and then place the fire extinguishing device at the desired location during the manufacturing process of the battery module, etc.

[0175] Beneficial effects

[0176] This specification discloses composite materials and fire extinguishing devices applied to products or components in or potentially in an abnormal state, thereby enabling effective response to the abnormal state. For example, the composite materials can be applied to articles comprising multiple products or components to respond to abnormal heating, explosion, or fire occurring in one component or product, and to prevent or minimize the spread of such heating, explosion, or fire to adjacent components or products. The composite materials also exhibit excellent operability and storage stability. This specification may also provide applications of the composite materials. Attached Figure Description

[0177] Figure 1 An exemplary cross-sectional view of a battery module incorporating a fire extinguishing device.

[0178] Figure 2 This is an exemplary diagram used to illustrate the working principle of a fire extinguishing device.

[0179] Figure 3 This is an exemplary diagram used to illustrate the working principle of a fire extinguishing device.

[0180] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the fire extinguishing device in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0181] In the following, composite materials and the like will be described in detail by way of examples and comparative examples, but the scope of composite materials and the like is not limited to the following examples.

[0182] 1. Convection Test

[0183] Place the composite material in an aluminum dish to a thickness of 3 mm. Use an aluminum dish with a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. Position a temperature sensor (Type K thermocouple, Fluke IR thermometer model 566) on the opposite side of the aluminum dish containing the composite material, and measure the temperature with the temperature sensor while applying a flame to the composite material. Apply a flame vertically at a distance of approximately 1 inch from the aluminum dish using two butane gas canisters (220 g canisters of unused butane gas) and a blowtorch. Measure the temperature with the temperature sensor while applying the flame for approximately 3 minutes, and evaluate it according to the following criteria.

[0184] <Evaluation Criteria>

[0185] Pass: When maintaining the measurement temperature in the temperature sensor below 250°C

[0186] NG: When a temperature of 250°C or higher is measured in the temperature sensor, or when the aluminum disc is observed to melt within 35 seconds.

[0187] 2. Chain ignition test

[0188] Arrange rectangular batteries side-by-side with approximately 3 mm intervals, and place the fire extinguishing device between them. For the rectangular batteries, use CATL products (120 Ah, 3.2 V). The rectangular batteries were then used for testing at 100% charge. In this setup, according to SAE J2464:2009, a fire was ignited in one rectangular battery, and chain fires were examined in the other battery cells. The fire was ignited by inserting a nail approximately 5 mm in diameter into the rectangular battery at a speed of 25 mm / s (nail puncture method).

[0189] <Evaluation Criteria>

[0190] Pass: When no fire occurs in any of the battery cells other than the one punctured by the nail.

[0191] NG: When a fire occurs in any battery cell other than the one punctured by a nail.

[0192] 3. Weight Change Rate Assessment

[0193] The composite material was cut into pieces 10 cm wide and 10 cm long, and its initial weight (W1) was measured at room temperature (approximately 25°C). The composite material was then subjected to compression testing using a UTM (Universal Testing Machine) Z030 device (Zwick / Roell) and a compression test fixture (circular fixture, 9 cm in diameter).

[0194] The composite material was placed between two compression test fixtures and secured between the fixtures under a preload of 10 kN. The composite material was then pressurized from top to bottom at a rate of 1.3 mm / min. Pressurization was stopped at the earliest of the following time points: when the thickness of the composite material was confirmed to be 80% of its pre-pressurization thickness and when a stress of 5 kN was confirmed at the equipment through pressurization. The composite material was then removed to measure its weight (weight W2 after pressurization).

[0195] The strain condition under pressure is set to 10%.

[0196] Calculate the weight change rate (%) using the following formula 2.

[0197] [Formula 2]

[0198]

[0199] In Formula 2, W1 is the initial weight of the composite material, W2 is the weight of the composite material after pressurization, and W1 and W2 have the same unit.

[0200] 4. Molecular weight measurement

[0201] The molecular weight of starch was assessed in the following manner.

[0202] (1) Preparation of mobile phase

[0203] Mobile phase A was prepared by filtering 1000 mL of a 150 mM NaNO3 aqueous solution containing 0.02 wt% NaN3 using a solvent purification system (Millipore Millisolve Kit, MilliporeSigma).

[0204] (2) Preparation of sample solution

[0205] The sample to be measured was collected in a volume of 25 mg and mixed with 5 mL of a 150 mM NaNO3 aqueous solution containing NaN3 in a volume of 0.02 wt%. The sample solution was then prepared by heating the mixture at 80 °C for 20 hours and then filtering it through a 0.4 μm nylon syringe filter.

[0206] (3) GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography) / MALS (Multi-Angle Light Scattering Detection) conditions

[0207] The molecular weight was assessed using the sample solution and mobile phase A in the following manner.

[0208] Measuring instrument: Agilent GPC (Agilent 1200 series, USA)

[0209] Stationary phase: Connecting Shodex OH-Pak 804 and Shodex OH-Pak 80 columns

[0210] Mobile phase: A; 0.02% NaN3, 150 mM NaNO3 aqueous solution = 100 (volume / volume%)

[0211] Flow rate: 0.4 mL / min

[0212] Stationary phase temperature: 25℃

[0213] Injection volume: 100 μl (0.45 μm filtered)

[0214] Analysis time: 120 minutes

[0215] 5. Measurement of amylopectin and amylose content

[0216] The content of amylopectin and amylose in starch was assessed according to the method described in the paper (Potato Research 31 (1988) 241-246). First, the sample was prepared by dissolving about 5 mg of starch in about 1 mL of sterile water (step 1) and heating it in a constant temperature water bath to 95°C for about 15 minutes (step 2).

[0217] Then, place about 20 μl of sample in a cuvette (step 3), and add about 980 μl of iodine solution and mix (step 4).

[0218] Subsequently, the absorbance of the sample mixed with iodine solution was measured and recorded at wavelengths of 525 nm and 700 nm, respectively (step 5). The absorbance was measured using KLAB's OPTIZEN POP model.

[0219] Place approximately 20 μl of water in another cuvette, add 980 μl of iodine solution, and mix (step 6). For the solution from step 6, measure and record the absorbance at wavelengths of 525 nm and 700 nm in the same manner as in step 5 (step 7).

[0220] Subtract the absorbance obtained in step 7 from the absorbance obtained in step 5, and determine the percentage of amylose (%) according to the following equation 3 (step 8).

[0221] [Equation 3]

[0222]

[0223] In Equation 3, PA is the percentage of amylose (%), U is determined by Equation 4 below, and L is determined by Equation 5 below.

[0224] [Equation 4]

[0225]

[0226] [Equation 5]

[0227]

[0228] In equations 4 and 5, OD 700 The value obtained by subtracting the absorbance at 700 nm measured in step 7 from the absorbance measured in step 5 at a wavelength of 700 nm, and OD 525 The value is obtained by subtracting the absorbance at a wavelength of 525 nm measured in step 7 from the absorbance measured in step 5 at a wavelength of 525 nm.

[0229] 6. WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) Assessment

[0230] The WVTR of the casing in a fire extinguishing device is evaluated according to ASTM F1249 under conditions of 38°C and 100% relative humidity.

[0231] 7. Solubility Assessment

[0232] Solubility is assessed based on ASTM E1148-02 standard. The maximum amount of a sample that dissolves in 100 g of water at the measured temperature (0°C or room temperature (approximately 25°C)) is determined according to this standard to establish solubility.

[0233] 8. Moisture absorption rate (water retention) assessment

[0234] The moisture absorption rate of ceramic fiber cotton was measured according to ASTM-C 1511. A 0.1 g sample (ceramic fiber cotton) was floated on the surface of DI (deionized) water maintained at approximately 21°C. Then, an aluminum mesh of approximately 0.25 inches was placed on top of the sample, immersing it 5 inches below the surface of the DI water. This state was maintained for approximately 15 minutes, and the sample was then removed and held vertically for approximately 1 minute by securing one edge of the sample with a clamp. The weight change of the sample was then measured to assess the moisture absorption rate.

[0235] Example 1.

[0236] Preparation of composite materials

[0237] A mixture was prepared by mixing distilled water, liquid sodium silicate, hydrochloric acid aqueous solution (hydrochloric acid concentration: approximately 33% by weight), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH4H2PO4), potassium acetate, and starch, and then a silica sol was prepared.

[0238] As starch, corn starch with a weight-average molecular weight of about 51,000,000 g / mol and a weight ratio of amylose to amylopectin (amylose:amylose) of about 25:75 was used.

[0239] As liquid sodium silicate, Youngil Chemical Co., Ltd.'s No. 3 (KS) (3 KS) (Na2O content: about 9% to 10% by weight, SiO2 content: about 28% to 30% by weight, sodium silicate molar ratio (=1.032 (SiO2 weight) / (Na2O weight)): about 3.1 to 3.3).

[0240] Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (N) (NH4H2PO4) has a solubility of approximately 29 g in water at 25°C. Potassium acetate has a solubility of approximately 216 g in 100 g of water at 0°C, and approximately 268.6 g in 100 g of water at 25°C.

[0241] Mix the ingredients such that the weight ratio (W:S:A:N:K:T) of distilled water (W), SiO2 (S) in liquid sodium silicate, hydrochloric acid solution (A), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (N), potassium acetate (K), and starch (T) is approximately 100:5:4:10:50:5.

[0242] The pH of the mixture is approximately 5 to 6.

[0243] In the mixture, based on distilled water, the molar concentration of hydrochloric acid is approximately 0.37, the molar concentration of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate is approximately 0.85, and the molar concentration of potassium acetate is approximately 4.97.

[0244] In the mixture, the following equation 1 is based on hydrochloric acid. It is approximately 1.39, according to Equation 1 below based on ammonium dihydrogen phosphate. It is approximately 3.15, and the following equation 1 is based on potassium acetate. It is approximately 18.47.

[0245] [Equation 1]

[0246]

[0247] In equation 1, K fThe freezing point depression constant for distilled water is 1.86 K / m, M is the molar concentration of each ionic compound, and I is the number of moles of ions produced when 1 mole of an ionic compound is completely dissociated.

[0248] Silica sol was prepared by stirring the mixture at approximately 500 rpm for about 15 minutes at room temperature (approximately 23°C).

[0249] Ceramic fiber cotton (KCC, insulation board No. 1) (thickness: approximately 0.5 mm to 5 mm) is placed on the conveyor belt of the gel casting device, and silica sol is impregnated into the ceramic fiber cotton using a spiked roller. Subsequently, while the conveyor belt is moving, further gelation is carried out at room temperature (approximately 25°C) to form silica gel, thereby manufacturing the composite material.

[0250] When manufacturing composite materials, the weight ratio (G:C) of distilled water (W) in silica sol to ceramic fiber cotton (C) is set to approximately 100:20.

[0251] Ceramic fiber cotton has a tensile strength of approximately 0.1 MPa, a compressive strength of approximately 150 kPa, a Young's modulus of approximately 3 MPa, and a g / cm³ strength of approximately 2 g / cm³. 3 The density is approximately 50 mm, and the softening point is approximately 800°C. Tensile strength, compressive strength, and Young's modulus can be measured according to the KS K ISO 9073-3 standard. Ceramic fiber cotton is cut into pieces approximately 50 mm wide and 200 mm long, mounted on a UTM (Universal Testing Machine), and subjected to longitudinal stretching at approximately 100 mm / min while obtaining a stress-strain curve. Based on this curve, tensile strength, compressive strength, and Young's modulus can be measured.

[0252] In the composite material, the water content is about 51.6% by weight, the inorganic gel (silicone gel) content is about 2.58% by weight, and the inorganic fiber (ceramic fiber cotton) content is about 10.31% by weight.

[0253] Manufacturing of fire extinguishing devices

[0254] The composite material is placed inside an aluminum can (casing) used to manufacture rectangular batteries, and the opening is sealed to create a fire extinguishing device. The aluminum can is made of aluminum alloy, with the casing having a WVTR of approximately [value missing]. Left and right. For example... Figure 4 As shown, composite material 300 is inserted into the interior of aluminum can 1001, and cover 1002 to manufacture a fire extinguishing device. A rectangular battery casing with a width of approximately 9 cm, a length of approximately 12 cm, and a thickness of approximately 3 mm is used.

[0255] Example 2.

[0256] A mixture was prepared by mixing distilled water, liquid sodium silicate, an aqueous solution of NaOH (NaOH concentration: approximately 35% by weight), an aqueous solution of acetic acid (acetic acid concentration: approximately 33% by weight), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH4H2PO4), potassium acetate, and starch, and a silica sol was prepared. The same materials as in Example 1 were used as the starch and liquid sodium silicate.

[0257] The mixture is prepared such that the weight ratio (W:S:B:A:N:K:T) of distilled water (W), SiO2 (S) in liquid sodium silicate, NaOH aqueous solution (B), acetic acid aqueous solution (A), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (N), potassium acetate (K), and starch (T) is approximately 100:10:0.1:1.6:10:40:1.

[0258] The pH of the mixture is approximately 6 to 8.

[0259] In the mixture, based on distilled water, the molar concentration of NaOH is approximately 0.01, the molar concentration of acetic acid is approximately 0.26, the molar concentration of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate is approximately 0.87, and the molar concentration of potassium acetate is approximately 4.07.

[0260] In the mixture, the above equation 1 is based on NaOH. It is approximately 0.03, based on Equation 1 above, which is derived from acetic acid. It is approximately 0.98, based on Equation 1 above, which is derived from ammonium dihydrogen phosphate. It is approximately 3.23, and according to Equation 1 above, based on potassium acetate... It is approximately 15.15.

[0261] Silica sol was prepared by stirring the mixture at approximately 500 rpm for about 15 minutes at room temperature (approximately 23°C).

[0262] The composite material and fire extinguishing device were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the above-mentioned silica sol was used.

[0263] In the composite material, the water content is about 54.7% by weight, the inorganic gel (silicone gel) content is about 5.47% by weight, and the inorganic fiber (ceramic fiber cotton) content is about 10.95% by weight.

[0264] Comparative Example 1.

[0265] The composite material and fire extinguishing device were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that ceramic fiber cotton exhibiting the same moisture absorption rate as in Table 1 below was used.

[0266] Compare Example 2.

[0267] A mixture was prepared by mixing distilled water, liquid sodium silicate, aqueous hydrochloric acid (hydrochloric acid concentration: approximately 33% by weight), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH4H2PO4), potassium acetate, and starch, and a silica sol was prepared. The same compounds as those used in Example 1 were used as the starch and liquid sodium silicate.

[0268] Mix them so that the weight ratio (W:S:A:N:K:T) of distilled water (W), SiO2 (S) in liquid sodium silicate, hydrochloric acid aqueous solution (A), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (N), potassium acetate (K), and starch (T) is about 100:1:4:10:40:1.

[0269] The pH of the mixture is approximately 5 to 6.

[0270] In the mixture, based on distilled water, the molar concentration of hydrochloric acid is approximately 0.37, the molar concentration of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate is approximately 0.85, and the molar concentration of potassium acetate is approximately 3.97.

[0271] In the mixture, the above equation 1, based on hydrochloric acid... It is approximately 1.39, based on Equation 1 above, which is derived from ammonium dihydrogen phosphate. It is approximately 3.15, and according to Equation 1 above, based on potassium acetate... It is approximately 14.78.

[0272] Silica sol was prepared by stirring the mixture at approximately 500 rpm for about 15 minutes at room temperature (approximately 23°C).

[0273] The composite material and fire extinguishing device were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the above-mentioned silica sol was used.

[0274] In the composite material, the water content is about 56.7% by weight, the inorganic gel (silicone gel) content is about 0.57% by weight, and the inorganic fiber (ceramic fiber cotton) content is about 11.36% by weight.

[0275] Comparative Example 3.

[0276] A mixture was prepared by mixing distilled water, liquid sodium silicate, an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (hydrochloric acid concentration: approximately 33% by weight), and an aqueous NaOH solution (NaOH concentration: approximately 33% by weight), and a silica sol was prepared. The same compound as in Example 1 was used as the liquid sodium silicate.

[0277] Mix the distilled water (W), SiO2 in liquid sodium silicate (S), hydrochloric acid aqueous solution (A), and NaOH aqueous solution (B) in a weight ratio (W:S:A:B) of approximately 100:5:1.6:0.1.

[0278] The pH of the mixture is approximately 6 to 8.

[0279] In the mixture, based on distilled water, the molar concentration of hydrochloric acid is approximately 0.15, and the molar concentration of NaOH is approximately 0.01.

[0280] In the mixture, the above equation 1, based on hydrochloric acid... It is approximately 0.57, and according to Equation 1 above, based on NaOH... It is approximately 0.03.

[0281] Silica sol was prepared by stirring the mixture at approximately 500 rpm for about 15 minutes at room temperature (approximately 23°C).

[0282] The composite material and fire extinguishing device were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the above-mentioned silica sol was used.

[0283] In the composite material, the water content is approximately 78.9% by weight, the inorganic gel (silicone gel) content is approximately 3.95% by weight, and the inorganic fiber (ceramic fiber cotton) content is approximately 15.79% by weight.

[0284] The evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in Table 1 below.

[0285] [Table 1]

[0286]

[0287] The moisture absorption rate in Table 1 is the moisture absorption rate of ceramic fiber cotton measured in the manner described in “8. Moisture Absorption (Water Retention) Assessment” above, and the weight change rate in Table 1 is the weight change rate measured according to the method described in “3. Weight Change Rate Assessment” above (weight change rate of composite material under 10% strain pressure condition).

[0288] The results in Table 1 show that by incorporating inorganic gels (silicone gels) and inorganic fibers (ceramic fiber cotton) with appropriate hygroscopic capacity, the rate of weight change is small, thus demonstrating suitable results in convection tests and chain ignition tests.

[0289] In the case of Comparative Example 1, the inorganic fibers had low moisture absorption and, as a result, high weight change rate, thus failing to obtain suitable results in convection tests and chain ignition tests.

[0290] In Comparative Example 2, the moisture absorption rate of the inorganic fiber was the same as in the examples, but the inorganic gel content was low, and as a result, the weight change rate was high. Therefore, suitable results could not be obtained in the convection test and chain ignition test.

[0291] In Comparative Example 3, the moisture absorption rate of the inorganic fiber was the same as in the examples, and the inorganic gel content was at a similar level to that in the examples. However, the amount of ionic compounds was not properly controlled during the inorganic gel formation process, resulting in a high rate of weight change. Therefore, suitable results could not be obtained in the convection test and the chain ignition test.

Claims

1. A composite material comprising: Vaporizable substances; and Inorganic gels, and The weight change rate of the composite material under 10% strain and pressure conditions is 3% or less.

2. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the boiling point of the vaporizable substance is in the range of 80°C to 120°C.

3. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the vaporizable substance is water.

4. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the content of the vaporizable substance is in the range of 40% to 90% by weight.

5. The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the composite material comprises 1.5 parts by weight or more of the inorganic gel relative to 100 parts by weight of the vaporizable substance.

6. The composite material according to claim 1 further comprises inorganic fibers.

7. The composite material according to claim 6, wherein the inorganic fibers have a moisture absorption rate of 55% or greater according to ASTM-C 1511.

8. The composite material according to claim 6, wherein, relative to 100 parts by weight of the vaporizable substance, the composite material comprises 5 to 100 parts by weight of the inorganic fiber.

9. The composite material according to claim 6, wherein the inorganic gel is attached to the inorganic fiber, or the inorganic gel and the inorganic fiber are entangled with each other.

10. The composite material according to claim 1 further comprises an ionic compound.

11. The composite material according to claim 10, wherein the following equation 1... Within the range of 5 to 50: [Equation 1] in, K f The freezing point reduction constant of the vaporizable substance is given by M, where M is the molar concentration of the ionic compound relative to the vaporizable substance, and I is the number of moles of ions generated by the dissociation of 1 mole of the ionic compound.

12. The composite material according to claim 10, wherein the ionic compound has a solubility of 10 g or more in 100 g of water at 25°C.

13. The composite material according to claim 10, wherein the ionic compound is selected from one or more of formate, acetate, carbonate and sulfate.

14. The composite material according to claim 1 further comprises a carbonizable organic substance.

15. The composite material according to claim 14, further comprising a carbonization catalyst.

16. A fire extinguishing device, comprising: case; and The composite material present in the housing according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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