Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites Reinforced With Polyaniline Stabilized Silica Nanoparticles With Reduced Flame Retardant Behavior

In this talk, Epoxy resin nanocomposites reinforced with silica nanoparticles have been prepared at different nanoparticle loading levels. The surface functionality of the silica nanoparticles is manipulated by the phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) doped conductive polyaniline (PANI) via a surface initiated polymerization (SIP) method. The improved glass transition temperature (T_g) and enhanced mechanical properties of the cured epoxy resin nanocomposites filled with the functionalized silica nanoparticles are observed compared with those of the cured pure epoxy resin. The flammability and thermal stability behaviors of these nanocomposites are evaluated using microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The fracture surface was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties including tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were tested. The heat release rate (HRR) peak of the epoxy filled with functionalized silica nanoparticles is observed to decrease dramatically with increasing functionalized silica particle loadings, indicating a flame retardant performance from the phosphoric acid doped PANI.