Synthesis of bromoepoxy/zirconium phosphate (ZrP) metalloresin by ultrasonication and exploring its applications

In this study, a halogenated flame-retardant resin of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) was synthesized by ultrasonication method and the material was characterized by using state-of-the-art instrumental techniques. Zirconium phosphate nanoparticles (ZrP) were also synthesized by the sonication approach, and then, TBBPA epoxy resin was incorporated with zirconium phosphate nanoparticles in different proportions, leading to the formation of new halogenated flame-retardant metalloresins. The synthesized metalloresins were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electronic microscopy. The thermal stability of the metalloresins was determined by a simultaneous thermal analyzer. The layered structure and morphology were studied by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used for measuring the absorbance of synthesized metalloresins. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) and char yield measurements were used to study the mechanism of flame retardancy. The rheological properties of the bromoepoxy resin and the metalloresins were performed with Anton Paar Rheometer MCR102 at 25 degrees C. The addition of ZrP as nano-filler affects the rheological response of the metalloresins by switching the Newtonian behavior to non-Newtonian behavior. Moreover, the viscosity of the metalloresins was enhanced threefold as that of the pristine resin, thus making the metalloresins mechanically more robust. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the metalloresins were greatly enhanced. The structure and morphology are a testimony to the synthesis of the desired metalloresins. Further, the addition of ZrP nanoparticles improved the thermal stability from 285 to 335 degrees C as confirmed by thermogravimetry, whereas the increase in char yield and LOI (10.32-26.0% and 21.63-28.0%, respectively) revealed that flame retardancy has improved significantly. The ZrP interaction has been effective at increasing the fire safety of epoxy resins, and it also offers a unique paradigm for developing new flame-retardant metalloresins.

Automated summary

A halogenated flame-retardant resin was synthesized and characterized. Zirconium phosphate nanoparticles were also synthesized and incorporated into the resin, leading to the formation of new flame-retardant metalloresins. The thermal stability, structure, and morphology of the metalloresins were significantly improved.