(261e) Thermal Stability and Flame Retardant Polypropylene Nanocomposites

Flame retardant polypropylene (PP) polymer matrix nanocomposites reinforced with  nanofillers including magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), carbon nanotubes, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and silicon dioxide were prepared through in- or ex- situ solution mixing method. Due to the lack of reactive sites on inert hydrocarbon PP backbones, surface treated nanofillers and/or usage of coupling agent have been used to improve the filler dispersion quality and polymer-filler interfacial bonding strength. The filler surface treatment and dispersion were investigated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical structures were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and et al. The thermal stability and flammability were studied using thermogravimetric analysis, micro-scale combustion calorimetry. The thermal stability and flame retardation mechanism for each composition will be discussed and the fire risk will be evaluated in detail.