Polymer-organoclay nanocomposites flame retardant mechanism

Therefore, it appears that a combination of organoclays and conventional flame retardants possesses significant potential to be useful flame retardant systems. A more detailed understanding of the flame retardant mechanism by which such an additive combination exerts its positive effects may further improve its performance and safety and reduce overall additive loading and cost. Moreover, the development of feasible and relevant manufacturing methods based on the intercalated flame retardant clays described here which facilitate the dispersion of flame retardant additives and increase flame retardant efficiency foretells of a promising future for flame retardant polymer nanocomposite materials in everyday applications. 

The investigation on the mechanisms of thermal stabilisation and flammability reduction in nanocomposites reveals that an addition of organoclays into a thermoset resin can substantially aid flame retardancy by encouraging the formation of a carbonaceous char in the condensed phase [118, 119]. The nanoscale dispersed lamellae of clay, either intercalated or exfoliated in polymer matrix, all enhance the... 

The great improvements in flame retardancy caused by the organoclays also opened the possibility of decreasing the level of ATH within the EVA polymer matrix. The content of ATH needed to maintain 200 kW/m as a peak heat release rate could be decreased from 65 to 45 wt% by the presence of only 5 wt% organoclays within the EVA polymer matrix. Reduction in the total amount of these fillers resulted in improved mechanical and rheological properties of the EVA-based nanocomposite. 

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