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Enhanced flame retardancy of polypropylene by melamine-modified graphene oxide

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Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) is modified by melamine (MA) via the strong π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction. PP composites are prepared by melt compounding method, and GO/functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) is in situ thermally reduced during the processing. The results of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicate that FGO nanosheets are homogeneously dispersed in polymer matrix with intercalation and exfoliation microstructure. The FGO/PP nanocomposite exhibits higher thermal stability and flame retardant property than those of the GO counterpart. During the thermal decomposition, the intercalated MA is condensed to graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) in the confined micro-zone created by GO nanosheets. This in situ formed g-C3N4 provides a protective layer to graphene and enhances its barrier effect. The heat release rate and the escape of volatile degradation products are reduced in the FGO-based nanocomposites.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21374111), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Grant No. BK20130369), and the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Grant No. 9042047, CityU 11208914).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China

    Bihe Yuan, Haibo Sheng, Xiaowei Mu, Lei Song, Qilong Tai, Yongqian Shi & Yuan Hu

  2. USTC-CityU Joint Advanced Research Centre, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Urban Public Safety, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China

    Bihe Yuan, Qilong Tai, Yongqian Shi & Yuan Hu

  3. Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Kim Meow Liew

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  1. Bihe Yuan
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Correspondence to Yuan Hu.

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Yuan, B., Sheng, H., Mu, X. et al. Enhanced flame retardancy of polypropylene by melamine-modified graphene oxide. J Mater Sci 50, 5389–5401 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-015-9083-0

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