Effect of a flower-like nickel phyllosilicate-containing iron on the thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy resin

Flower-like nickel phyllosilicate (Ni-PS) was synthesized via the mild hydrothermal method. The generated Ni-PS containing ferric (Fe@Ni-PS) was then characterized and introduced into epoxy resins (EP) to prepare EP composites. The thermal stability and flame retardant properties of the EP composites were investigated. With the incorporation of 4.0 wt% Fe@Ni-PS, the LOI value of EP composite increased to 28.9 +/- 0.2 % with an enhancement of 18.4 % comparing to pure EP. Furthermore, it extinguished after ignition for 12.0 s, and passed the V-1 rating in UL-94 test, while pure EP kept vigorous burning. Cone calorimetry test showed that EP composite had low the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of 810.9 kW/m(2) and 99.9 MJ/m(2) with a reduction of 20.1 % and 4.7 % compared to those of pure EP, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis test indicated that with the addition of Fe@Ni-PS, although the initial decomposition temperature of EP composite shifted to the lower temperature, the maximum weight loss rate was obviously decreased. The research provides a viable approach to strengthening fire safety of EP composites. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.