Controlled Self-Template Synthesis of Manganese-Based Cuprous Oxide Nanoplates Towards Improved Fire Safety Properties of Epoxy Composites

Publication date: Available online 31 December 2019Source: Journal of Hazardous MaterialsAuthor(s): Wei Wang, Yao Yuan, Bin Yu, Kim Meow Liew, Richard K.K. Yuen, Jiajia Liu, Yuan HuAbstractTo date epoxy resins have been extensively used in the field of chemical engineering, aerospace and building materials. Nevertheless, the utilization of flammable epoxy resins has posed a huge threat to lives and properties, which restricted their applications. In this work, manganese-based cuprous oxides two-dimensional nanosheets (Mn@Cu2O-M) are rationally designed and successfully prepared to improve the toxic effluent elimination of epoxy resin. The fire safety properties of the prepared Mn@Cu2O-M based nanocomposites improved the heat release rate (<35%) and total heat release (<40%) compared to the control epoxy. Moreover, the production of smoke and toxic volatiles of the composites with Mn@Cu2O-M nanosheets is significantly reduced. The mechanism investigations indicate that the improved flame retardancy and toxic effluent elimination of epoxy composites are attributed to the physical barrier effect and catalytic carbonization awarded by Mn@Cu2O-M nanosheets during burning. This work provides a promising strategy to develop eco-friendly, efficient and fire-safe polymers by both physical barrier effect and catalytic carbonization.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research