Abstract
In this study, the flame-retardant, thermal and mechanical properties of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) and nano-SiO2 modified epoxy novolac resin is evaluated, and the combinational effects of both additives are verified. As a hardener, an isophorone diamine (IPDA) and polyetheramine blend is stoichiometrically added to obtain a low viscous epoxy resin system, suitable for resin injection and infusion techniques. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and the silica dispersion quality is affected by the DOPO modification and the nano silica particles. The flame-retardant (FR) and mechanical properties of the additives are investigated separately. The fracture toughness could be increased with the incorporation of both FR additives; however, the effect is deteriorated for higher DOPO amount which is referred to silica particle agglomeration and consequently reduced shear yielding mechanism. Flame-retardant properties, especially the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and the total heat release (THR) could be decreased from 1373.0 kW/m2 of neat novolac to 646.6 kW/m2 measured by resins with varying phosphorous and silica content. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements show the formation of a high temperature stable char layer above 800 °C which is attributed to both additives. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images are taken to get deeper information of the flame-retardant mechanism, showing a dense and stable char layer for a certain DOPO silica mixture which restrains the combustible gases from the burning zone in the cone calorimeter test and influences the fire behavior of the epoxy resin.
Highlights
Since the first patent regarding epoxy and amine systems was submitted in 1934 by Paul Schlack in Germany the importance of resin has gathered increasing relevance
The glass transition temperature shows decreasing values for the DOPO-modified system as the Tg decreases from 109.8 ◦ C for neat novolac to 66.5 ◦ C for 3 wt.% phosphorous containing resin
The fracture toughness of the systems shows a contrary trend as it seems to be increasing for higher amount of DOPO
Summary
Since the first patent regarding epoxy and amine systems was submitted in 1934 by Paul Schlack in Germany the importance of resin has gathered increasing relevance. There are several reasons for the wide application range of epoxys nowadays, for instance their good processability with low cure shrinkage and lower residual stresses in the cured part, good mechanical properties and outstanding customization which is verified to the variation of properties with different hardener and resin selection [1]. To overcome the lower flame resistance, different additives like halogenated [2,3] or phosphorous-based [4,5] FRs as well as inorganic fillers (like aluminum trihydroxide ATH) [6]. Are incorporated into the epoxy matrix and the properties evaluated in the past decades. Inorganic fillers require a high content [6] for the improvement of fire resistance which worsens the processing of the resin system and downgrades its mechanical properties
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