Flammability. generally research studies

For more than a decade, numerous research studies have been carried out on the flame-retardant properties conferred by nanoparticles and mainly by organo-modified layered silicates (OMLS). Earlier work at Cornell University and National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States showed that nanocomposites containing OMLS reduced polymer flammability and enhanced the formation of carbonaceous residue (char).14 Owing to a strong increase in polymer viscosity, impairing processability, and also due to the breakdown of ultimate mechanical properties, the acceptable rate of incorporation for nanoparticles to improve flame retardancy is generally restricted to less than 10 wt %. 

Although there has been extensive research (e.g., [1-9]) on the fire retardation effects of nanoclay on neat polymers, relatively few studies [15-31] have been conducted with polymer blend systems. In Table 8.1, the polymer blends as well as the tests conducted in [ 15-31 ] are presented. From this table, it is clear that the majority of these studies have been devoted to the morphology and thermal stability of polymer blend nanocomposites very few studies actually focused on their fire performance. Nonetheless, these studies [15-31] have generally led to the conclusion that the addition of nanoclay to polymer blends can result in remarkable improvement in (a) mechanical properties, (b) compatibilization, (c) viscosity, (d) thermal stability, and (e) flammability. 

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