Flame-Retardant\nEpoxy Resin Nanocomposites Reinforced with Polyaniline-Stabilized\nSilica Nanoparticles

Abstract

Epoxy resin nanocomposites reinforced\nwith silica nanoparticles have been prepared at different nanoparticle\nloading levels. The surface functionality of the silica nanoparticles\nis manipulated by the phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄)-doped conductive polyaniline (PANI) via a surface initiated polymerization\n(SIP) method. The improved glass transition temperature (<i>T</i>_g) and enhanced mechanical properties of the cured epoxy\nresin nanocomposites filled with the functionalized silica nanoparticles\nare observed compared with those of the cured pure epoxy resin. The\nflammability and thermal stability behaviors of these nanocomposites\nare evaluated using microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) and thermogravimetric\nanalysis (TGA). The heat release rate (HRR) peak of the epoxy filled\nwith functionalized silica nanoparticles is observed to decrease dramatically\nwith increasing functionalized silica particle loadings, indicating\na flame-retardant performance from the phosphoric acid-doped PANI.