Study on the Synergies of Nanoclay and MWCNTs to the Flame Retardant and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites

Abstract

Modern flame retardants are organic compounds containing halogen or phosphorus groups and are not always well dispersed in polymers. Thus, by using a small amount of nanoclay and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), they can significantly reduce the number of conventional flame retardant additives, making the material with optimal flame retardant properties. Conventional flame retardants always have some negative effects on the mechanical properties of the polymer substrate, so by using nanoclay and MWCNTs, those adverse effects can be minimized and overcome. In this work, in order to improve the mechanical properties and flame retardant of nanocomposite materials, nanoclay I.30E and MWCNTs are mixed into epoxy, with the selected percentage of 2% and 0.02% by weight, respectively, stirring mechanically for 7, 8, and 9 hours at 3000 rpm at 80°C, then performing ultrasonic vibration for 6 hours at 65°C.