Thermal degradation and intumescent flame retardation of cellulose whisker/epoxy resin composite

The morphology, thermal degradation, and flame retardancy of epoxy (EP) composites containing microcrystalline cellulose whisker (MCW) and microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MFAPP) were investigated using optical microscopy, limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, thermogravimetry (TG), microscale combustion calorimeter, and TG-FTIR. EP/MFAPP/MCW composites can pass V-0 in UL-94 test at 6 wt% loading, and its peak heat release rate decreases when compared with EP and EP/MFAPP. The reason is that the presence of MCW strengthens the charring capacity of EP composites in a fire. The results of TG and TG-FTIR show that at low temperature, MFAPP stimulates the dehydration of MCW and EP, and produces gas which is helpful for the formation of an intumescent char. Moreover, the residue at high temperature does not release any flammable gas and is a good insulation layer on the surface of the sample, which protects the underlying material in a fire.