Abstract
Nano-Sb2O3 has excellent synergistic flame-retardant effects. It can effectively improve the comprehensive physical and mechanical properties of composites, reduce the use of flame retardants, save resources, and protect the environment. In this work, nanocomposites specimens were prepared by the melt-blending method. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, and flame retardancy of a nano-Sb2O3–brominated epoxy resin (BEO)–poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) composite were analyzed, using TGA and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), coupled with EDX analysis, tensile testing, cone calorimeter tests, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and flammability tests (limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL94). SEM observations showed that the nano-Sb2O3 particles were homogeneously distributed within the PBT matrix, and the thermal stability of PBT was improved. Moreover, the degree of crystallinity and the tensile strength were improved, as a result of the superior dispersion and interfacial interactions between nano-Sb2O3 and PBT. At the same time, the limiting oxygen index and flame-retardant grade were increased as the nano-Sb2O3 content increased. The results from the cone calorimeter test showed that the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release rate (THR), peak carbon dioxide production (PCO2P), and peak carbon monoxide production (PCOP) of the nanocomposites were obviously reduced, compared to those of the neat PBT matrix. Meanwhile, the SEM–energy dispersive spectrometry (EDX) analysis of the residues indicated that a higher amount of C element was left, thus the charring layer of the nanocomposites was compact. This showed that nano-Sb2O3 could promote the degradation and charring of the PBT matrix, improving thermal stability and flame retardation.
Highlights
With the development of lightweight-oriented automobiles, poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)engineering plastics has become a focus of attention in the development and application of automobiles [1]
The results from the cone calorimeter test showed that the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release rate (THR), peak carbon dioxide production (PCO2 P), and peak carbon monoxide production (PCOP) of the nanocomposites were obviously reduced, compared to those of the neat PBT matrix
This demonstrated that an interaction between the flame retardant and PBT promoted the interaction between the flame retardant and PBT promoted the flame-retardant composites to degrade flame-retardant composites to degrade at lower temperatures, resulting in some high-quality at lower temperatures, residual char layer. resulting in some high-quality residual char layer
Summary
With the development of lightweight-oriented automobiles, poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). The development of PBT composite with comprehensive mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and cost-effectiveness has become a key to expand PBT application. Phosphorous flame retardants synergistic montmorillonite [10], Sb2 O3 [11], and carbon nanotubes [12] flame retardant PBT matrix materials produced catalytic crosslinking in condensed phase, by which thermal stability and residual carbon content increased. The dispersion performance of the nano-Sb2 O3 particles in PBT composites and the residual carbon morphology after combustion were analyzed by SEM-equipped energy dispersive spectrometry (EDX). On this foundation, synergistic flame retardancy of nano-Sb2 O3 and brominated epoxy resin (BEO) were further studied
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