Volume 45, Issue 20 2400356
Research Article

Controllable Self-Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes on Ammonium Polyphosphate as a Game-Changer for Flame Retardancy and Thermal Conductivity in Epoxy Resin

Yan Xia

Yan Xia

Institute of Fire Safety Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100 China

Ningbo Dacheng New Material Company Limited, Ningbo, 315300 China

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Yutong Hong

Yutong Hong

Institute of Fire Safety Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100 China

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Li Zhang

Li Zhang

Institute of Fire Safety Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100 China

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Juan Chai

Juan Chai

Institute of Fire Safety Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100 China

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Bingtao Wang

Bingtao Wang

Institute of Fire Safety Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100 China

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Zhenghong Guo

Zhenghong Guo

Institute of Fire Safety Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100 China

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Juan Li

Corresponding Author

Juan Li

Institute of Fire Safety Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100 China

E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

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Siqi Huo

Corresponding Author

Siqi Huo

School of Engineering, Center for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, 4300 Australia

E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

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Zhengping Fang

Zhengping Fang

Institute of Fire Safety Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100 China

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First published: 13 August 2024
Citations: 3

Abstract

The optimization of flame retardancy and thermal conductivity in epoxy resin (EP), utilized in critical applications such as mechanical components and electronics packaging, is a significant challenge. This study introduces a novel, ultrasound-assisted self-assembly technique to create a dual-functional filler consisting of carbon nanotubes and ammonium polyphosphate (CNTs@APP). This method, leveraging dynamic ligand interactions and strategic solvent selection, allows for precise control over the assembly and distribution of CNTs on APP surfaces, distinguishing it from conventional blending approaches. The integration of 7.5 wt.% CNTs@APP10 into EP nanocomposites results in substantial improvements in flame retardancy, as evidenced by a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 31.8% and achievement of the UL-94 V-0 rating. Additionally, critical fire hazard indicators, including total heat release (THR), total smoke release (TSR), and the peak intensity of CO yield (PCOY), are significantly reduced by 45.9% to 77.5%. This method also leads to a remarkable 3.6-fold increase in char yield, demonstrating its game-changing potential over traditional blending techniques. Moreover, despite minimal CNTs addition, thermal conductivity is notably enhanced, showing a 53% increase. This study introduces a novel approach in the development of multifunctional EP nanocomposites, offering potential for wide range of applications.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available in the supplementary material of this article.

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