Effect of organic-modified nickel phyllosilicate on the non-isothermal cure kinetics and flame retardancy properties of epoxy composites

Abstract

In this study, silane agents were employed as organic silicon to synthesize organic-modified nickel phyllosilicates (NiPS), which were then introduced into epoxy resin (EP) to yield composites. The effects of these organic-modified NiPS on the curing behavior and flammability of epoxy composites were then investigated carefully. Though the added NiPS resulted in the initial temperature shifts to high temperature, the whole curing temperature ranges for EP composites became narrow regarding pure EP. Simultaneously, the activation energy of curing was also decreased, implying the lowered energetic barrier during the whole curing process. For all investigated samples, the overall reaction orders varied negligibly, and the predicted curves fitted well with the DSC thermograms. Finally, the positive influence derived from the presence of these organic-modified NiPS on the enhancement of self-extinguishing ability and limited oxygen index were also discussed, and the solid phase flame retardant mechanism was proposed.