Fire Retardancy Behavior of Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites

• Main Author: Zope, Indraneel Suhas (Author, http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/aut)
• Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Format: Electronic eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore : Springer Singapore : Imprint: Springer, 2018.
• Edition: 1st ed. 2018.
• Series: Springer Theses, Recognizing Outstanding Ph.D. Research,
• Subjects: Ceramics.; Glass.; Composites (Materials).; Composite materials.; Engineering-Materials.; Polymers .; Ceramics, Glass, Composites, Natural Materials.; Materials Engineering.; Polymer Sciences.
• Physical Description: XXXII, 165 p. 95 illus., 78 illus. in color. online resource.
• ISBN: 9789811083273
• ISSN: 2190-5053
• DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8327-3

This thesis investigates the early ignition behavior of polymer/clay nanocomposites, which are perceived as potential eco-friendly flame retardant systems. It examines the correlation between clay structural chemistry and high-temperature transformations with clay-assisted decomposition of organic macromolecules. In particular, it investigates the unique effects of metal ions like Mg2+, Al3+ and Fe3+ that are inherent in clays (smectite) on the combustion and thermo-oxidative decomposition of polyamide 6. The results indicate that metal ions present on/in montmorillonite platelets have preferential reactivity towards peroxy/alkoxy groups during polyamide 6 thermal decomposition.  Lastly, a simple solution in the form of a physical coating on clay surface is proposed, based on the role of polymer-clay interfacial interaction.