Flame retardancy of polystyrene nanocomposites based on an oligomeric organically-modified clay containing phosphate

Novel modified clays, which may enable the formation of flame retarded polystyrene nanocomposites by melt or solution blending, have been prepared using an ammonium salt which contains an oligomeric material consisting of vinylbenzyl chloride, styrene and vinyl phosphate reacting with dimethylhexadecylamine. These nanocomposites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimetry and the evaluation of mechanical properties. Melt blending is an effective, economical way to produce intercalated nanocomposites with greatly reduced peak heat release rate and a decreased total heat release; the polymer does not all undergo thermal degradation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.