C. L. Bao, L. Song, C. A. Wilkie, B. H. Yuan, Y. Q. Guo, Y. Hu and X. L. Gong (2012) Graphite oxide, graphene, and metal-loaded graphene for fire safety applications of polystyrene. Journal/Journal Of Materials Chemistry 22 16399-16406. [In English]
Web link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c2jm32500d
Keywords: ELECTRICAL-CONDUCTIVITY, PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES, FLAME RETARDANCY, NANOCOMPOSITES, REDUCTION, SHEETS, POLYMERIZATION, POLYPROPYLENE, NANORIBBONS, FABRICATION
Abstract: Graphite oxide, graphene, ZrO2-loaded graphene and beta-Ni(OH)(2)-loaded graphene (joint appellation: Gs) were prepared and incorporated into polystyrene so as to improve the fire safety properties of polystyrene. By the masterbatch-melt blending technique, Gs nanolayers were well dispersed and exfoliated in polystyrene as thin layers (thickness 0.7-2 nm). The fire safety properties were visibly improved, including an increased thermal degradation temperature (18 degrees C, PS/Ni-Gr-2), decreased peak heat release rate (40%, PS/Zr-Gr-2) and reduced CO concentration (54%, PS/Ni-Gr-2). The mechanism for the improved thermal stability and fire safety properties was investigated based on this study and previous works. The physical barrier effect of graphene, the interaction between graphene and polystyrene, and the synergistic effect of the metal compounds are the causes for the improvements.