Enhanced flame retardancy of latex coating doped with clay nanotubes

Abstract

Halloysite clay nanotubes of 0.5–1 μm length and 0.05 μm diameter are cheap and abundantly available natural materials which may be used as an additive for paint formulations. Its admixing at 5 wt% enhances latex paint flame-retardancy and did not change paint color, surface roughness and adhesion to the substrate. Tested according to the ASTM E84 standard, 5 wt% halloysite doping was the best formulation evaluated on the flame spread and smoke developed. Halloysite decomposition resulting in degradation and release of water molecule is believed to be a reason for the decreasing rate of combustion.