Enhancement of fire safety in epoxy resin composites through incorporation of microencapsulated diatomite

• DOI: 10.1002/app.55196
• Publication Date: 2024-01-17T07:24:27Z
• Authors: Jin Wang; Xiaoyue Shen; Mengwei Jiang; Fang Zhou; Yupeng Zhang
• Keywords: Limiting oxygen index; Heat of combustion; Cone calorimeter

Abstract Diatomite (DIA) particles are commonly employed as flame‐retardant additives for polymers, yet their intrinsic inefficiency requires substantial quantities optimal efficacy. To address this issue, we proposed a novel approach involving the microencapsulation of DIA with polyethylene glycol phosphate (PEGP) to enhance flame retardancy epoxy resin (EP). Characterization prepared DIA@PEGP utilized scanning electron microscopy energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The resulting EP composite, DIA@PEGP‐4/EP, achieved limiting oxygen index 33.2% V‐0 level in vertical combustion tests. Compared EP, DIA@PEGP‐4/EP demonstrated significantly improved fire performance, 38.6%, 47.8%, 25.0%, 41.3%, 60.4% reduction peak heat release rate, total release, smoke production production, CO yield. Furthermore, highest FPI value 0.080 m 2 ·s/kW DIA@PEGP‐1/EP lowest FGI 8.734 kW/m ·s indicate that incorporation into enhances its safety. mechanism DIA@PEGP‐4 involves formation phosphorus‐containing aromatic carbon layer during char formation, capturing radicals gas phase combustion.