Metal-organic framework@polyaniline nanoarchitecture for improved fire safety and mechanical performance of epoxy resin

In this work, a novel three-dimensional nanoarchitecture metal-organic framework@polyaniline (Sn-MOF@PANI) was designed and applied to address the fire hazards of epoxy resins (EP). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results proved that the Sn-MOF@PANI was successfully synthesized. Compared with pure EP, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and the total heat release (THR) of EP/Sn-MOF@PANI were reduced by 42% and 32%, respectively. Meanwhile, the total smoke production (TSP) and total gaseous products of EP/Sn-MOF@PANI were also reduced during the combustion. The above results illustrate that the fire safety of EP was improved. Based on the analysis of the gaseous products and the condensed phase, a possible flame retarding mechanism was proposed. Moreover, the addition of Sn-MOF@PANI improved mechanical properties of EP, including storage modulus and impact strength.