A strategy to synthesize phosphorus-containing nickel phyllosilicate whiskers to enhance the flame retardancy of epoxy composites with excellent mechanical and dry-friction properties

Abstract

To enhance the fire safety and wear resistance of epoxy, phosphorus-containing nickel phyllosilicate whiskers (FP-NiPS) were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal technology, with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene as the organic modifier. The impacts of FP-NiPS on the thermal stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical and tribological properties of EP composites were explored. The findings demonstrated that 5 wt % FP-NiPS elevated the limiting oxygen index of the EP composite from 23.8% to 28.4%, achieving a V-0 rating during vertical burning tests. FP-NiPS could enhance the thermal stability of epoxy resin (EP) and facilitate the development of a dense and continuous carbon layer, thereby significantly improving the fire safety of the EP composites. The FP-NiPS led to an 8.2% increase in the tensile strength and a 38.8% increase in the elastic modulus of the EP composite, showing outstanding mechanical properties. Furthermore, FP-NiPS showed remarkable potential in enhancing the wear resistance of EP. The wear rate of 1 wt % FP-NiPS is 2.34 × 10⁻⁵ mm³·N^–1·m^–1, a decrease of 66.7% compared to EP. This work provides a novel promising modification method to enhance the fire safety, mechanical and wear resistance properties of EP.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

nickel phyllosilicate / epoxy resin / flame retardant / wear resistance / mechanical property

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge outstanding Youth Scientific Research Project in Anhui Province (Grant No. 2022AH020055), the Key Research and Development Projects in Anhui Province (Grant Nos. 2022i01020016, 2023g07020001), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52074011), the University Synergy innovation Program of Anhui Province (Grant No. GXXT-2022-018).

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