Flame retardant behavior of multi-scale layered PBT/IFR composites

Abstract

This study first prepared a layered intumescent flame retardant (IFR)-graphene oxide (GO). Then, the multi-scale polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) composites were prepared by introducing glass fiber (GF), boron nitride (BN), and nano SiO2 flame retardant synergists of different shapes and sizes. The results showed that the SiO2-containing composites displayed excellent flame resistance with a flame retardant grade of V-0 and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 32%. The IFR-GO, PBT, and SiO2 formed a multi-scale network structure where the three additives interacted via hydrogen bonding, catalyzing charring in situ. Finally, the composites were obtained with an excellent flame retardant grade and droplet resistance properties.

Keywords

• Polymer-matrix composites
• Flame retardant synergist
• Flame retardancy
• Microstructure control