Yu Jing

　

University of New South Wales Sydney

I am currently a Lecturer in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, UNSW Sydney. I am actively involved in research in novel materials and designs aimed at developing new approaches to the thermomechanical response of fire conditions. My current research foci are on flame-retardant, eco-composite, green, biodegradable, simulation of fire-resistant, multifunctional, photocatalyst, recyclable, and/or transformable materials. In addition to B.E. and Ph.D. academic experience, I also have over 5 years of industrial experience spanning research, applications, and project engineering roles as well and project management responsibility. In this latter capacity, I have completed a year-long, comprehensive, corporate, professional development program in the USA and Canada. Further, my experiences in both the engineering industry and academia were formally recognised in 2019 when I received a Women’s Leadership Award.

Optimisation of additives to maximise performance of expandable graphite based intumescent flame retardant polyurethane composites

The effect of varying the weight percentage composition (w.t.%) of low-cost expandable graphite (EG), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), fibre glass (FG) and vermiculite (VMT) in PU polymer was studied using a traditional intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system. The synergistic effect between EG, APP, FG and VMT on the flame-retardant properties of the PU composites was investigated using scanning electron microscope, thermal gravimetric analysis, tensile strength tests, and cone calorimetry. The IFR that contained PU composites with 40 w.t.% EG displayed superior flame-retardant performance compared with the composites containing only 20 w.t.% or 10 w.t.% EG and control PU. As a result, the synergistic effect was greatly influenced by the compactness of the united protective layer. The PU composite suppressed smoke emission and inhibited air penetrating the composite, thus reducing reactions with the gas volatiles of the material. These new PU composite materials provide a promising strategy for flame retardation and smoke suppression.