Dual self-antiaggregating hybrid nanoarchitectonics for synergistic effects on the fire safety of intumescent flame retardant epoxy resins

Abstract

Prior to the practical application of epoxy resins (EP), critical issues regarding the fire safety of flammable and toxic smoke releases must be addressed. Here, novel nanoarchitectonics with dual self-antiaggregating structure were fabricated in which CeO₂ nanoparticles were grown in situ on molybdenum disulfide (CeO₂-MoS₂). CeO₂ alleviated the re-agglomeration of MoS₂, and then CeO₂-MoS₂ further mitigated the reunification effect of zeolite imidazolate framework-8 encapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (APP@ZIF-8) in the EP matrix. When CeO₂-MoS₂ was employed as a synergist to replace 0.5 wt% of APP@ZIF-8 flame retardant, the thermal stability of EP composites was significantly improved, as evidenced by a 41.8% reduction in the maximum mass loss rate compared with pure EP. In addition, the PHRR, PSPR, PCO, and PCO₂ values of EP/0.5C-M/9.5A@Z were decreased by 65.8%, 47.9%, 67.0%, and 67.4%, respectively, while its LOI value improved to 28.2%. Benefit from the barrier and catalytic effect of CeO₂-MoS₂ nanoarchitectonics, in conjunction with the subsequent formation of multiple metal oxides and phosphorus-containing substances that form an expanding char layer, preventing the heat-mass exchange and smoke diffusion. This research suggests a feasible solution to the problem of high fire hazards in EP.