Green Reinforcement of Epoxy Nanocomposites: Enhancing Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Properties with Epoxidized Linseed Oil, MWCNTs, and Montmorillonite Clay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.10053Keywords:
Antimony trioxide, Chlorinated paraffin, Flame retardancy, Epoxy resin, Multi-walls carbon nanotubes, Epoxidised linseed oilAbstract
This study focuses on enhancing the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites by incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), montmorillonite nanoclay I.30E, and flame retardants such as chlorinated paraffin and antimony trioxide. The materials were fabricated through mechanical stirring and ultrasonication, ensuring uniform dispersion of additives within the epoxy matrix. The results indicate that the optimal ultrasonication time for dispersing MWCNTs is 90 min at room temperature, with 0.10 wt% MWCNTs significantly improving mechanical properties and flame retardancy. The addition of MWCNTs and nanoclay I.30E increased the limiting oxygen index (LOI), reduced the combustion rate, and formed a protective layer that prevented flame propagation. When 2 wt% nanoclay was added, tensile strength increased to 72.17 MPa, flexural strength reached 133.34 MPa, and compressive strength improved to 200.26 MPa. However, at higher concentrations (3 - 4 wt%), mechanical properties deteriorated due to uneven dispersion. Additionally, epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) was used as a plasticizer to enhance flexibility and optimize the balance between mechanical performance and flame retardancy. The MWCNTs/Nanoclay I.30E/Sb2O3/CP system with 10 wt% ELO achieved the highest LOI (36.4 %), the lowest combustion rate (5.58 mm/min), and a UL-94 V-0 rating. Overall, this study demonstrates that the combination of MWCNTs, nanoclay I.30E, flame retardants, and glass fibers significantly improves the mechanical and flame-retardant properties of epoxy composites, making them suitable for high-safety applications in various industries.
HIGHLIGHTS
- A novel hybrid system was developed by integrating MWCNTs, nanoclay I.30E, and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) into epoxy resin.
- Optimal MWCNT content (0.10 wt%) yielded the best dispersion, enhancing tensile, flexural, and impact strength significantly.
- 2 wt% nanoclay I.30E improved interfacial interaction and char formation, maximizing flame retardancy.
- The final formulation achieved LOI 36.4 %, UL-94 V-0 rating, and low combustion rate (5.58 mm/min).
- The synergy of bio-based and nanostructured additives offers a sustainable solution for fire-safe, high-performance epoxy composites.
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