Aminated Halloysite/Jute/Phenol-Formaldehyde Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties, Improved Lightweight Character, and Lowered Fire Hazard

Abstract

In this study, aminated halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-NH2) were anchored on the surface of alkali-treated jute fibers to afford HNTs-NH2@Jute as an organic–inorganic composite fiber. The surface modification was evidenced by characterizations including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). When used as reinforcement in phenolic resins, the obtained HNTs-NH2@Jute can effectively enhance the mechanical properties, improve the lightweight character, and lower fire hazards. HNTs-NH2@Jute can achieve good dispersibility in a phenolic matrix, in which the tensile strength and impact toughness were increased by 93.9 and 88.3%, respectively. The cone calorimetry tests showed that the obtained composite (HNTs-NH2@Jute@PF) exhibited reduced heat release, lowered smoke production, and suppressed carbon dioxide production. Our study afforded a facile approach to construct different kinds of organic–inorganic composite fibers as desirable reinforcements as well as possessing other potential desirable applications.