New Polycarbonate‐Based Composites With Added Inorganic Particles ( Al ₂ O ₃ , SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , and ZrO ₂ ): Effects on Mechanical Strength and Flame Retardancy

In this paper, a range of inorganic particles (Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , and ZrO 2 ) is combined with PC to prepare composites, respectively. The effect of surface properties of inorganic particles on the flame retardancy of PC was studied. The particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential and contact angle analysis, combined with molecular dynamics simulation. Flame retardancy was evaluated by vertical combustion, limiting oxygen index and cone calorimetry. The results show that the addition of Al 2 O 3 has the best overall performance in terms of dispersibility and compatibility with PC, and the adsorption energy of the Al 2 O 3 /PC interface is the highest. The incorporation of Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 and ZrO 2 improves the flame retardancy of PC. Compared with pure PC, the incorporation of Al 2 O 3 significantly improves the thermal stability and residual mass of PC, resulting in a 21% increase in LOI and a 35% reduction in peak heat release rate. It is found that the compatibility of Al 2 O 3 particles with PC is the best, which can significantly improve its thermal stability and flame retardant performance, showing the best comprehensive performance. This method can be widely used in electronic, electrical and automotive fields, and can effectively improve the safety and reliability of materials.