Fire and thermal properties of layered double hydroxides and polyurea nanocomposites

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated with linear alkyl carboxylates (CH3(CH2 )n COO- , n = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20), borate and benzyl anions were prepared. The effect on fire and thermal properties of the mode of preparation for LDHs (i.e. ion exchange, coprecipitation and rehydration of the calcined LDH methods) has been studied. After characterization, the LDHs were used to prepare nanocomposites with a range of polar and non-polar polymers. Characterization of the LDHs and the nanocomposites was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cone calorimetry. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the presence of the charge balancing anions in the galleries of the LDHs. Improvements in fire and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were observed. The cone calorimeter revealed that the addition of LDHs reduces the peak heat release rate significantly. LDHs were combined with commercial fire retardants. Synergistic effects were observed in both TGA and cone calorimetry for formulations containing both LDH and ammonium polyphosphate (APP). Physical and chemical interactions between LDH and APP are responsible for the observed synergy in thermal stability and fire performance