An increasing number of structures are being made from fibre reinforced composites. For example, on aircraft, some crucial components are generally made from carbon fibre reinforced composites using an insulating thermoset polymer matrix. Furthermore, standard thermoset resins, i.e. epoxy and unsaturated polyester, are highly flammable and produce large quantities of smoke and toxic gases. Their increasing commercial utilization may bring these polymers into fire situations at any time, adding urgency to the development of effective and environmental friendly flame retardant systems to reduce fire hazards. Commercially available flame retardants for these polymers can be highly effective but they have some important disadvantages, like, negatively affecting the resin workability, the quality (physical and mechanical properties) of the final product, in addition to being harmful. The concept of nanoscale reinforcement and flame retardancy provides opportunity for synthesis of new polymer materials with unique properties. Several nanoparticles, that is nanoclays and nano-Mg(OH)₂, and carbon nanotubes could also represent a rational alternative to the conventionally filled thermoset polymers because they have distinct advantages over traditional flame retardants on its related problem areas.

The purpose of this paper is to present the effects of different nanoscale flame retardants on flammability properties, such as the time-to-ignition, heat release rate, and smoke production.

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1. A study of the effect of nano-magnesium hydroxide on the flammability of epoxy resin