Recent developments in fire-retardant thermoset resins using inorganic-organic hybrid flame retardants

Inorganic-organic hybrid modifiers have attracted attention of scholars worldwide because they combine the advantages of both different components and provide a way for modifying the structure and properties of polymeric materials. The article describes and investigates a positive effect of reduced flammability of thermoset resins resulting from the use of nanocomposites containing new inorganic-organic hybrid flame retardants (FRs) that combine conventional phosphorous/nitrogen modifiers interacting with nanofillers. The impact of these inhibitors on the level of flammability of thermoset resin compositions was defined by determining the value of limiting oxygen index, thermogravimetric and cone calorimeter analysis of thermal destruction processes. Morphology of composites was assessed using a scanning microscope and an analysis of actual scanning electron micrographic images. The analysis of thermal decomposition of the materials under examination confirmed flammability reducing properties of the inorganic-organic hybrid FR used, and a synergist to generate integrated flame retarding effect was observed between conventional modifiers and nanofillers, in particular carbon nanofillers: expandable graphite, graphene and graphene oxide. The inorganic-organic hybrid FR will provide a new solution to efficient FR polymeric materials.