Synergistic fire retardancy in layered-silicate nanocomposite combined with low-melting phenysiloxane glass

Abstract

Tetraphenyl phosphonium-modified layered silicate (LS) and low-melting phenylsiloxane glass (G) are combined for more efficient halogen-free flame retardancy in epoxy resin (EP_LSG). Particularly, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) is decreased (by up to 60%), but levels off at additive concentrations ≥10 wt%. The performance of EP_LSG is compared to EP_LS and EP_G assuming an absolute and a relative flame retardancy effect, respectively, and based on the same amount of each filler and, alternatively, with EP_G containing the same overall amount of filler. EP_LSG behaves close to superposition but shows a strong tendency toward synergism due to a superior structural integrity of the fire residues. Apart from LS, adding G in particular is a promising approach when its content is ≤5 wt%, as is LSG for ≥10 wt%.