Nano-composites exhibit advantageous mechanical and physical properties already at small additions of modifying particles, frequently lower than 5 wt %. The present studies focused on polymeric nano-composites containing flame retardant nano-clay. The matrix used in the present study was a two-component low-molecular-weight epoxy resins. Such a matrix is used to fabricate composite structures used in aviation. As a filler, three types of modified natural montmorillonite (MMT) and various types of commonly used flame retardants were employed. The aim of the study was to develop flame retardant nano-composites containing the lowest possible amount of flame retarding fillers. To this end, a series of nanocomposites with MMT and flame retardants were fabricated.
The nano-composites produced in the present study were subjected to extensive studies of the mechanical and thermal properties. Among others, such mechanical properties were measured as elastic modulus, tensile strength and ultimate elongation. The thermal properties of the cured epoxy resin were characterized via thermogravimetric analysis. The fire reaction properties were measured using a cone calorimeter. The properties of the samples have been correlated to their microstructure, studied on images revealed on cross sections and investigated by HRSEM and AFM.