Fire-Retardant Mechanisms in Polymer Nano-Composite Materials

Abstract

An overview of the characteristics of nano-particles and of the nanocomposites structure is reported. During combustion, the nano-fillers, accumulating on the surface of the burning polymer, build up an inorganic barrier that reduces the heat and mass transfer between the polymer and the flame. Besides the formation of a protective barrier on the surface of the burning polymer, a catalytic charring action is proposed for the mechanism of fire retardancy of nano-fillers. The evolution of the nano-composites morphology on heating is also discussed.