Novel advancements in flame retardant mechanisms of halloysite nanotubes polymeric nanoarchitectures
Raphael Stone Odera, Christopher Igwe Idumah, Emmanuel Obumneme Ezeani, Victor Ugochukwu Okpechi, Izuchukwu O. Madu, Henry Chukwuka Oyeoka, Shedrack C. Ugwu, James E. Ogbu
Abstract
Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are classified as nanoclay composed of hollow-like nano-tubular nanostructure. HNTs are utilized in fabricating polymeric nanoarchitectures due to their broad surface area, inexpensiveness and ease of availability. HNTs functionalization is imperative to attainment of uniform distribution within polymeric matrices and has enhanced the fire suppressing, thermal stability along with mechanical features of HNT@polymeric nanoarchitectures (HNT@PNC), attributable to HNTs tubular architecture which facilitates trapping of flammable volatiles thereby forming a strong barricade on the polymeric surface impeding the heat and mass transportation procedure and enforcing flame retardancy (FR). The FR features of polymeric nanoarchitectures are majorly ascertained via propensity to ignitability, fire spreading, heat as well as smoke releasing. These FR parameters are usually ascertained utilizing the cone calorimeter test (CCT), UL-94-V examination and limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. CCT is a horizontally affiliated fire evaluation strategy whereby specimens are positioned horizontally, whereas UL-94-V and LOI are vertically oriented fire examination procedures. Therefore, this paper presents advances in fire suppressing mechanisms of HNT@PNC.