Effect of microencapsulation on thermal properties and flammability performance of epoxy composite

The influence of microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MFAPP) on flame retardancy, thermal properties and water resistance of epoxy (EP) composite were investigated by LOI, UL-94, DSC, TG, microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) and TG-FTIR. The results of DSC show that the shell outside MFAPP can increase its compatibility in EP. EP/MFAPP containing only 9 wt% MFAPP can pass V-0 in the UL-94 test, while neat EP cannot pass any rating. Due to the presence of shell, water treatment show few effects on the flame retardancy of EP/MFAPP, while LIO values of EP/APP decrease remarkably after treatment. The presence of MFAPP can reduce the heat release rate and total heat release of EP significantly in MCC test. The reason is that MFAPP can stimulate the dehydration of EP at low temperature and retard the release of pyrolysis gas at high temperature. Moreover, a char formed via the reaction of EP and MFAPP has excellent thermal stability and can prevent underlying materials from further combustion during a fire.

► The influences of microencapsulation on the flame retardant, water resistant and thermal properties of EP composite were remarkable.
► The shell outside microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MFAPP) can increase its compatibility in EP.
► MFAPP can stimulate the dehydration of EP at low temperature and retard the release of pyrolysis gas at high temperature.