High-Mechanical-Strength Flame-Retardant Nanocomposites Based on Novel Al(III)- and Zr(IV)-Melamine Phosphates and Sulfates

Nanoparticles based on Al(III) and Zr(IV) melamine phosphate and sulfate, respectively, are prepared. Cone calorimeter measurements reveal that compared to an unfilled polyacrylate matrix the polyacrylate-based nanocomposites containing the novel nanoparticles display significantly improved flame-retardant properties as evidenced by the corresponding values for the peak heat release rate, the time-to-ignition, the values for the peak rate of heat release, the total heat evolved, the time to the CO peak and the CO yield. Concomitantly, the mechanical properties of the acrylate-based composite coatings, i.e., the Martens and surface hardness, can also be significantly improved.