Preparation of cluster-like nanostructure and nanoribbon for 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O and the evaluation of their flame retardant properties by a thermal analysis method

Cluster-like 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O nanostructure and 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O nanoribbon have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions at 120 °C for 12 h. All the samples were characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared spectrum (IR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The sizes and morphologies of the products were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O cluster consists of nanoribbons with the thickness of about 80 nm and the width of 200–300 nm. 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O nanoribbon is about 50 nm in thickness and about 200–500 nm in width. The flame retardant properties of the prepared 4ZnO·B2O3·H2O nanomaterials were investigated by the thermal analysis method and a vertical combustion test, demonstrating that they had the better behaviors than the non-nanostructure sample.