- Author
- Zammarano, M. | Franceschi, M. | Bellayer, S. | Gilman, J. W. | Meriani, S.
- Title
- Preparation and Flame Resistance Properties of Revolutionary Self-Extinguishing Epoxy Nanocomposites Based on Layered Double Hydroxides.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD Cimteclab, Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34012 Trieste, Italy Materials and Natural Resources Department, University of Trieste, Valerio 2, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Journal
- Polymer, Vol. 46, No. 22, 9314-9328, October 2005
- Keywords
- nanocomposites | epoxy resins | flame resistance | clay | self-extinguishment | flame retardants | experiments | x-ray diffraction | thermal properties | cone calorimeters | thermogravimetrical analyses
- Identifiers
- layered double hydroxides/epoxy (LDHs/EP) nanocomposites; synthesis of the organo-modified LDHs; description and sample identification of anionic clays; description and sample identification of epoxy micro/nano-composites; preparation of epoxy micro/nano-composites; elemental analysis data of MG61/ABSsx; cone calorimeter data
- Abstract
- Layered double hydroxides/epoxy (LDHs/EP) nanocomposites were prepared from organo-modified LDHs, a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A monomer (DGEBA) and amine curing agents. The organo-modified LDHs were obtained by ionic exchange of a magnesium-aluminum carbonate LDH in an acid medium. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed a dispersion of the layers at a nanometer scale, indicating the formation of LDH/EP nanocomposites. The thermal degradation and flame resistance properties of LDH/EP nanocomposites, montmorillonite-epoxy (MMT/EP) nanocomposites, LDH/EP microcomposites and aluminum hydroxide-epoxy microcomposites were compared by thermogravimetrical analyses, simultaneous thermal analyses, UL94 and cone calorimeter tests. Only LDH/EP nanocomposites showed self-extinguishing behavior in the horizontal UL94 test; LDH/EP microcomposites and MMT/EP nanocomposites samples burned completely showing that the unique flame resistance of LDH/EP nanocomposites is related to both the level of dispersion and the intrinsic properties of LDH clay. Furthermore, cone calorimeter revealed intumescent behavior for LDH/EP nanocomposites and a higher reduction in the peak heat release rate compared to MMT/EP nanocomposites.