MoS2 supported on acid activated kaolinite used in the kaolinite-epoxy resin composites for suppressing smoke toxicity and degradation

Abstract

By growing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) on the surface of acidified kaolinite (A-Kaol) to obtain MoS2@A-Kaol compounds, which effectively suppressed the toxic smoke and soot, enhanced thermal stability and ageing resistance of the epoxy resin (EP). In the cone calorimetry test, the total smoke production (TSP) reached 3917.6 m2; while the TSP value decreased to 2575.5 m2 after adding 3 wt% MoS2@A-Kaol; MoS2@A-Kaol slowed down the mass loss and promoted the char residue of EP composite increased to 11.3%. In TGA test, the temperature of 50% mass loss (T50%) was postponed from 388 °C to 414 °C and the residue increased to 8.7% after adding 3 wt% MoS2@A-Kaol, indicating the thermal degradation of the EP was postponed and its thermal stability was improved. The released smoke and soot were filtrated by a non-woven PP fabric, which documented MoS2@A-Kaol reduced the toxic aromatic volatiles. The tensile and impact strength of the EP was mostly kept by 3 wt% MoS2@A-Kaol after UV ageing for 72 h. Based on all the results, the smoke suppression and anti-ageing mechanism was disclosed. This work provided a feasible solution to improve the comprehensive properties of EP with low amount of filler.