Performance of epoxy filled with nano- and micro- sized magnesium hydroxide
writer：R Suihkonen, K Nevalainen, O Orell, M Honkanen, LC Tang, H Zhang , Z Zhang, J Vuorinen
keywords：Fire resistance, mechanical properties, epoxy, nanocomposites
source：期刊
specific source：Journal of Materials Science
Issue time：2012年
Magnesium hydroxide (MDH) particles are often used as fillers to improve the flame retardancy of polymers. However, achieving the balance between the enhanced fire resistance and reduced mechanical properties, especially toughness, is still a challenge to the composite community. In this study, the effect of the particle size and silane surface modification of MDH particles on the flame retardant, thermal, and mechanical properties of
epoxy was studied. Both nano- and micro-sized MDH particles were modified by a silanization reaction with c-aminopropyltrietoxysilane in an aqueous solution and filled into epoxy matrix by a high-shear mixer and a threeroll mill. Results show that nano-MDH filled epoxy composites yielded better mechanical properties than their micro-MDH filled counterparts. Furthermore, the adhesion between nano-sized MDH and the matrix was improved by the silane surface modification. When comparing the flame retardant properties, enhancements in heat release rates and total heat released were observed for MDH filled epoxy composites.