Polymer Nanocomposites: How to Reach Low Flammability?

The paper investigates critically the feasibility to make fire proof polymer using nanoparticles. It includes organoclay, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and carbon nanotube (CNT). It is shown that they can be used to make material exhibiting low heat release rate (HRR) when they undergo heat. We have developed novel approaches to characterize quantitatively the nanodispersion by solid state NMR and by TEM associated with image analysis and we have demonstrated that the dispersion at the nanoscale is essential to achieve the best performance. On the other hand, low flammability of nanocomposites is only achieved in terms of HRR but they fail in terms of UL‐94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI). To overcome this problem, we have combined nanoparticles with traditional flame retardants (intumescents) or with plasma treatment. The nanofillers act as synergists and offer an exceptional way for making fire safe polymers.