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In this work, we employed a two-step modification process to improve the properties of 2D bimetallic nanoplates M(OH)(OCH3) (M = Co, Ni), which were recently proven as a promising "nano-flame retardant". The nanoplates were in situ modified with metal-organic framework ZIF-67 first and then silanized with a coupling agent APTES. Epoxy resin (EP) nanocomposites were fabricated using the functionalized M(OH)(OCH3). We investigated the performance of the nanocomposites in flame retardance and thermal stability. The results showed that 3% of APTES@ZIF-67@M(OH)(OCH3) gave the EP nanocomposite the V-1 rating in UL-94 test and the highest limited oxygen index of 27.6%. Moreover, the pHRR value of EP/APTES@ZIF-67@M 3% was reduced by 20.0% and 9.6%, respectively, compared to neat EP and EP/ZIF-67@M 3%. Regarding the mechanical properties, the Tensile properties and energy storage modulus of EP nanocomposite were both improved with 3% of APTES@ZIF-67@M(OH)(OCH3). The GC-MS test results revealed that the functionalized M(OH)(OCH3) significantly increased the cross-linking propensity of the EP matrix upon combustion, leading to the formation of a dense char layer. This study demonstrates the great potential of M(OH)(OCH3) as a highly efficient "nano-flame retardant" with tunable functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphated cellulose (PCF) was synthesized based on urea, phosphated acid and cellulose. The structure of the PCF was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS). Benzoxazine (Ba)/PCF hybrid materials were fabricated and thermally cured to prepare polybenzoxazine composites (PBa/PCF). The effects of PCF on the curing temperature of Ba were analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermogravimetric (TGA) results demonstrated an increased char residue of 50% for the PBa composites incorporating PCF-5% compared with the pure PBa. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) values of the PBa/PCF-5% composites clearly decreased by 58.1% and 16.5% compared to those of the pristine PBa. The smoke released from the PBa/PCF system significantly reduced with the loading of PCF. Moreover, the limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning test level (UL-94) of PBa/PCF-5% reached up to 31 and V0. The flame retardant mechanism of the PCF in the PBa matrix was investigated TG-FTIR and char residues analysis. Finally, the dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) results demonstrated that the Tg of the PBa/PCF composites was approximately 230 °C, which does not affect further applications of PBa composites.

Fire alarm systems are essential for protecting lives and properties from fire hazards. However, most of the existing fire alarm nanopapers rely on the resistance reduction after heating, which requires direct contact with the flame. In this study, we present a novel fire alarm nanopaper (CMPA) based on heat-triggered shape recovery. The CMPA is composed of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) as the matrix and 2D nanomaterials M(OH)(OCH 3) as fillers. When the temperature of CMPA exceeded the glass transition, the thrice-folded CMPA-1.0 flattened in 30s and connected to the alarm circuit based on its conductive surface. According to the results, the CMPA-1.0 with a thickness of about 0.2 mm had an efficient electromagnetic shielding of 42.1 dB. Moreover, the CMPA-1.0 self-extinguished rapidly after being ignited with its original shape preserved. The peak heat release rate of CMPA-1.0 was 108.9 W/g, which was 61.9 % lower than that of HPMC. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of CMPA-1.0 reached to 0.317 W m−1 K−1, which was 40.8 % higher than that of HPMC, reducing the heat accumulation effectively. This work shows that CMPA is an ideal material for sensitive and safe early fire alarm, and the strategy based on heat-triggered shape recovery is promising in fire alarm application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the two-dimensional bimetallic nanosheets, M(OH)(OCH 3) (M = Co, Ni) was used as a novel "nano-flame retardant" to improving fire retardancy and smoke suppression of epoxy resin (EP) nanocomposties. With 3 wt% M(OH)(OCH 3) added, the peak heat release of EP/M(OH)(OCH 3)-3 wt% decreased from 1021.4 to 867.8 kW/m2, compared with pure EP. To the smoke suppression, the peak of smoke product rate and the total smoke product of EP/M(OH)(OCH 3)-3 wt% was 0.27 m2/s and 28.3 m2, which decreases by 15.6 and 15.0% than those of pure EP, respectively. Only 1 wt% M(OH)(OCH 3)@Ni, which got the modification by the introduction of nickel ion on surface, could endow the composite a further improvement in both flame retardant and smoke suppression. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometer demonstrated the M(OH)(OCH 3)@Ni facilitated the aromatization reaction and promotes the generation of the protective char layer, which hinders the propagation of combustible free radicals and restrains the release of smoke. This study demonstrated that the two-dimensional bimetallic nanosheets, M(OH)(OCH 3) (M = Co, Ni), has a great potential to act as novel "nano flame retardant". Moreover, the appropriate modification could further promote its performance in improving the flame ratardancy and smoke suppression of EP. • M(OH)(OCH 3)(M = Co, Ni) was used as a novel "nano-flame retardant" to fabricate flame retardant and smoke suppression EP. • 3 wt% M(OH)(OCH 3) could efficiently enhance the flame retardant and smoke suppression of EP composites. • 1 wt% M(OH)(OCH 3)@Ni realize a further promotion in flame retardant and smoke suppression of EP. • Aromatization reaction has been confirmed as the effective mechanism of flame retardant and smoke suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]