Facile synthesis of a novel zinc-triazole complex for simultaneous improvement in fire safety and mechanical properties of epoxy resins

A novel zinc-triazole complex (ZTC) was synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The addition of 4 wt% of ZTC showed slight change in the thermal stability of the epoxy resin (EP) matrix, whereas the inclusion of 4 wt% of 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole deteriorated the thermal stability. The glass transition temperature (T-g) of EP/ZTC-4% was dramatically enhanced to 162 degrees C from 150 degrees C for the unmodified epoxy, which could be ascribed to the increased cross-linking density and the structural rigidity of ZTC. The flame-retardant property of EP/ZTC-4% was greatly improved, achieving UL-94 V-0 classification and a LOI value of 29.0%. The peak heat release rate, total heat release and smoke production rate of EP/ZTC-4% were dramatically declined by 72.9%, 86.0% and 73.8%, respectively, compared to the unmodified EP. Such desirable features including high fire retardant efficiency and proper smoke suppression make zinc-triazole complex a promising candidate for high fire safety polymers.

Automated summary

The novel zinc-triazole complex (ZTC) showed enhanced thermal stability and flame-retardant properties when added to the epoxy resin (EP) matrix, making it a promising candidate for high fire safety polymers.