Flame retardant epoxy hybrid composite laminates prepared by vacuum-assisted resin infusion technique

Abstract

Epoxy/glass fiber/organo-montmorillonite hybrid composites with triaryl phosphates and decabromodiphenyl oxide flame retardants were prepared by vacuum-assisted resin infusion technique. The effects of triaryl phosphates and decabromodiphenyl oxide on the flammability properties of epoxy/glass fiber/organo-montmorillonite composites were evaluated through UL-94 vertical flammability test and limiting oxygen index. Epoxy/glass fiber/organo-montmorillonite hybrid composite showed no rating in UL-94 test up to 40 phr of triaryl phosphates. Field emission scanning electron microscopy showed the amount of char formed increased, denser char structure and better coverage of glass fibers as triaryl phosphates loading increased. Interestingly, the hybridization of 30 phr decabromodiphenyl oxide with respect to 10 phr triaryl phosphates flame retardants showed V-0 rating with limiting oxygen index of 33%.