Preparation of zinc hydroxystannate-decorated graphene oxide nanohybrids and their synergistic reinforcement on reducing fire hazards of flexible poly (vinyl chloride)

Abstract

A novel flame retardant, zinc hydroxystannate-decorated graphene oxide (ZHS/GO) nanohybrid, was successfully prepared and well characterized. Herein, the ZHS nanoparticles could not only enhance the flame retardancy of GO with the synergistic flame-retardant effect of ZHS but also prevent the restack of GO to improve the mechanical properties of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix. The structure characterization showed ZHS nanoparticles were bonded onto the surface of GO nanosheets and the ZHS nanoparticles were well distributed on the surface of GO. Subsequently, resulting ZHS/GO was introduced into flexible PVC and fire hazards and mechanical properties of PVC nanocomposites were investigated. Compared to neat PVC, thermogravimetric analysis exhibited that the addition of ZHS/GO into PVC matrix led to an improvement of the charring amount and thermal stability of char residue. Moreover, the incorporation of 5 wt.% ZHS/GO imparted excellent flame retardancy to flexible PVC, as shown by increased limiting oxygen index, reduced peak heat release rate, and total heat release tested by an oxygen index meter and a cone calorimeter, respectively. In addition, the addition of ZHS/GO nanohybrids decreased the smoke products and increased the tensile strength of PVC. Above-excellent flame-retardant properties are generally attributed to the synergistic effect of GO and ZHS, containing good dispersion of ZHS/GO in PVC matrix, the physical barrier of GO, and the catalytic char function of ZHS.

Graphene-based flame retardants: a review

“…Metals or metal derivative-based nanomaterials include metal oxides, metal hydroxides and other metallic compounds, such as Co 3 O 4 [106], SnO 2 [107], Ce-MnO 2 [108], TiO 2 [109,110], CuO [111], NiO [106], [114], NiCe x O y [115], ZrO 2 [116], Ni(OH) 2 [116], MnCo 2 O 4 [38], FeOOH [117], AlOOH [118], NiAl-LDH [119] (LDH represents to layered double hydroxide), NiFe-LDH [120], Co(OH) 2 [121], ZnS [122], ZnCO 3 [123], MoS 2 [124], Al(H 2 PO 2 ) 3 [125], ferrocene (Fc) [126], zirconium organophosphate [127], nano-Sb 2 O 3 [128] and zinc hydroxystannate [129,130]. They can also be classified into zero-dimensional nanoparticles, onedimensional nanowires/nanorods/nanotubes and two-dimensional nanoplates/nanobelts.…”

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks‐8 modified graphene as a green flame retardant for reducing the fire risk of epoxy resin

“…Meanwhile, the limit oxygen index (LOI) value was increased by 1.5%. The flame retardancy of GO/PVC composites has been improved to a certain extent . Jiang et al found that the PHRR and THR of EP with 2 wt% GNS were decreased by 30.9% and 17.0%, respectively.…”

Reduction in smoke emitted and fire hazard presented by flexible poly (vinyl chloride) through novel synthesis of SnO2 supported by activated carbon spheres

“…A large proportion of these applications demand flexibility and are therefore well served by the unique attributes of flexible PVC (fPVC). However, the flammable nature of fPVC restricts its application in certain areas; large amounts of heat and toxic smoke are released by the combustion of PVC which, in certain circumstances, could lead to heavy casualties and property losses in the event of a fire . Reducing the fire hazard presented by fPVC is, therefore, a subject of great concern.…”